Self-ligating orthodontic brackets

ABSTRACT

The present invention employs a self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising a body having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface of the body; an arch wire slot extending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate an arch wire; a free-sliding, controlled-locking, or pivoting clip wherein the clip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/711,381, filed on Oct. 9,2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/768,317, filedon Feb. 22, 2013, which are herein incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is directed to the field of orthodontics, andspecifically to the field of orthodontic bracket assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides improved self-ligating orthodonticbrackets. In one aspect, the present invention provides a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket comprising: a body having a pair of laterally spacedgingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spaced occlusal tie wings,the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting from a labial surface ofthe body; an archwire slot extending mesially-distally across the bodyand between the gingival and occlusal tie wings to accommodate an archwire; a free-sliding, controlled-locking or pivoting clip wherein theclip allows placement and removal of the arch wire when in the openposition and prevents the displacement of the arch wire from the bracketmember when in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1F are various views of a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A-2C are various views of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 3A-3C are various views of a third embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 4A-4D are various views of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 5A-5E are various views of a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 6A-6D are various views of a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 7A-7C are various views of a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 8A-8E are various views of a eighth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 9A-9H are various views of a ninth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 10A-10D are various views of a tenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 11A-11C are various views of a eleventh embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 12A-12C are various views of a twelfth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 13A-13C are various views of a thirteenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 14A-14C are various views of a fourteenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 15A-15C are various views of a fifteenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 16A-16C are various views of a sixteenth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 17A-17N are various views of a seventeenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 18A-18D are various views of a eighteenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 19A-19F are various views of a nineteenth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 20A-20B are various views of a twentieth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 21A-21C are various views of a twenty-first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 22A-22B are various views of a twenty-second embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 23A-23B are various views of a twenty-third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 24A-24C are various views of a twenty-fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 25A-25C are various views of a twenty-fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 26A-26C are various views of a twenty-sixth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 27A-27C are various views of a twenty-seventh embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 28A-28C are various views of a twenty-eighth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 29A-29C are various views of a twenty-ninth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 30A-30C are various views of a thirtieth embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIGS. 31A-31C are various views of a thirty-first embodiment of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

It is appreciated that the present invention provides for severalembodiments of a self-ligating orthodontic bracket assembly thatincludes a bracket and a locking clip(s). The bracket has a closedposition in which the clip inhibits access to an archwire slot and anopen position in which the clip allows access to the archwire slot.

Generally, the illustrated bracket includes a body and a base. The bodymay include the archwire slot (two receiving areas positioned mesiallyand distally of the bracket body), a first tie wing (e.g., gingival tiewing(s)), a second tie wing (e.g., occlusal tie wing(s)), and aninterwing region extending gingivally-occlusally across the body and maybe generally defined by at least one of the lateral spacing or a bridgeportion of the gingival tie wings and the lateral spacing or a bridgeportion of the occlusal tie wings. The base connects the bracket to atooth and may include an attachment portion that defines a pattern,which receives an adhesive and is shaped to affix to the tooth. In onespecific embodiment, the lingual side of the attachment portion affixesto the labial side of the tooth. In the construction, the base may beattached to the body with welds. In other constructions, the base may beattached in other ways or formed as a single piece with the body.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A to 1F, a self-ligating orthodontic bracket isshown and is generally indicated to by reference numeral 1010. FIG. 1Ais a perspective view of a self-ligating dental bracket in a closedposition in accordance with the present invention with a lateral spacingbetween the gingival tie wings and a labial portion (e.g., hood portion)extending from the respective mesial and distal gingival tie wings toform the receiving areas. The labial portions extending outside themesial and distal sides of the body for receiving a tab portion (e.g., aprong) of the clip. The labial free end of the clip (e.g., gingival tipportion) includes the tab portions of the clip, which may be contouredto match the contour of the receiving area beneath the hood portions ofthe gingival tie wings.

More particularly, the orthodontic bracket 1000 includes a body 1012 anda lingual mounting base 1014 attached to the body. The mounting base1014 has a lingual surface to be attached to a tooth. Generally, thebody 1012 defines a square, rectangle, or otherwise shaped member.However, it is appreciated that the body 1012 may be defined by variousother shaped configurations such as a rhombus-shaped, a circular-shaped,an oval-shaped, or otherwise shaped member.

A pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings 1016 and a pair oflaterally spaced occlusal tie wings 1018 extend from the labial surfaceof the body 1012. The gingival tie wings 1016 and the occlusal tie wings1018 generally curve lingually. An interwing region 1024 extendsgingivally-occlusally across the body 1012 and may be generally definedby the lateral spacing of the gingival tie wings 1016 and/or the lateralspacing of the occlusal tie wing 1018. The interwing region 1024 may bean opened (e.g., unobstructed) passageway or may be a closed (partiallyor completely obstructed) passageway FIGS. 1A-1F, or otherwise. Anarchwire slot 1020 extends mesially-distally across the body 1012 andbetween the gingival and occlusal tie wings 1016 and 1018. The archwireslot 1020 opens labially to receive an archwire (not shown). Thearchwire slot 1020 may be interrupted in the interwing region 24 of thebody.

The bracket 1010 may further include a locking mechanism that includes alocking clip 1026 for maintaining the archwire in the archwire slot 1020while in the closed position. This locking clip 1026 is structured in asubstantially U-shaped cross-sectional configuration, and one sidethereof is formed as a lingual free end 1028 (a portion located on thelingual side) located on the base side and extending along the base(through an opening formed between the body 1012 and the base 1014),while the other side thereof is formed as a labial free end 1030 havingsubstantially the same width as the length of the arch wire slot 1020and extending on the upper side of the slot. The lingual free end 1028and the labial free end 1030 may be interconnected by a curved portion1032.

The locking clip 1026 may be formed of an elastic member in which anotched portion 1034 is provided substantially in the center of a tipedge portion of the labial free end 1030 (a portion located on thelabial side). The notch portion 1034 may be defined by left and right(e.g., mesial and distal) tab portions 1031 of the counter base portion1028, which is the T or Y-shape head portion in the substantially T orY-shaped configuration of the locking clip 1026.

Further, since the notched portion 1034 of the locking clip maycorrespondingly be provided for the width of the bracket body (e.g.,mesial/distal free/open edge portions) so as to be fitted to it, theshift and twisting of the tab portions of the locking clip 1026 in thelongitudinal direction of the slot can be effectively suppressed.Namely, with respect to the shift and twisting of the tip portion of thelocking clip 1026 in the longitudinal direction of the body, such shiftcan be suppressed by a receiving area provided about a mesially sideand/or a distally side of the bracket body 1012.

The receiving area may be defined by a receiving member 1036 extendingfrom the outer free/open edge of the bracket body 1012. Preferably, theouter free/open edge of the bracket body is generally coplanar with themesial/distal free ends of the archwire slot 1020, though not required.In one specific example as shown in FIGS. 1A-1F, the receiving member1036 may include a labial hood portions 1038 extending mesially/distallyfrom the outer free/open edge of the gingival tie wing 1016 of thebracket body 1012. The labial hood portion may be provided for stoppinga tip of the locking clip 1026 (e.g., tabs 1031) at a slot closedposition at a free/open edge portion of the bracket body. Moreparticularly, a mesial labial hood portion 1039 may extending mesiallyfrom the mesial free/open edge portion of the bracket body (e.g.,mesially extending from the mesial-gingival tie wing) and a distallabial hood portion 1038 b may extend distally from a distal free/openedge portion of the bracket body (e.g., distally extending from thedistal-gingival tie wings). Desirably, the labial hood portions 1039 and1038 b prevent the arch wire from unintentionally being removed from thearchwire slot 1020 by limiting labial movement of the locking clip 1026while in the closed position.

The locking clip 1026 may further include an engaging end portion 1040,which can be formed by a notched portion, a recessed portion, aprojection, or the like. The engaging end portion may be formed at arear end portion of the lingual free end 1028 in the locking clip 1026.The engaging end portion 1040 may be configured to aid in moving thelocking clip 1026 from the closed position to an open position throughcontact by a tool or otherwise. By way of example, a tool may contactthe engaging end portion so that the lingual free end 1028 movesocclusally thereby moving the labial free end 1030 occlusially away fromthe hood portions 1039 and 1038 b to an open stop groove 1042 about thelabial surface of the occlusal tie wings 1018 so that the locking clip1026 may be maintained in the open position.

When included, the open stop groove 1042 may be provided in theinterwing region 1024 connecting the occlusal tie wings therebetween.Furthermore, the open stop groove 1042 may include a mesial-distalprotrusion 1044, which does what? The open stop groove 1042 may furtherinclude a mesial-distal depression 1046 having mesial and distal edgewalls 1048. The depression 1046 having substantially the same width asthe curved portion 1032 of the locking clip 1026 so that the edge walls1048 can minimize the mesial-distal shift of the locking clip 1026resulting from an unexpected force being applied on the bracket.Optionally, the interior walls 1050 of the occlusal tie wings may alsominimize the mesial-distal shift of the locking clip 1026 resulting froman unexpected force being applied on the bracket in addition to or inplace of the depression 1046 (desirably a locking clip having a curvedportion with a width corresponding to the width of the interwing regionbetween the occlusal tie wings).

FIGS. 2A-2C are various views of an alternate embodiment of aself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 1A. As such the present inventionmay provide a self-ligating bracket 1010 a having a bracket body 1012 a,a base 1014, a locking clip 1026 and a bridge portion 1052 a in thegingival interwing region 1024 a so as to connect the interior mesialside of gingival-distal tie wing with the interior distal side of thegingival-mesial tie wing. Optionally, the bridge portion 1052 a mayinclude a depression 1054 a having an opening 1056 a to allow for accessof a dental tool to aid in the opening and/or closing of the bracket1010 a.

FIGS. 3A-3E are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 2A in which the present inventionmay include a self-ligating bracket 1010 b having a bracket body 1012 b,a base 1014, a locking clip 1026 b and a receiving member 1036 b. Thereceiving member may further include at least one lingual ledge 1058 b.Lingual ledges 1058 b may be provided as separate artifacts thatmesially and distally extend from the respective sides of the body 1012b in a location lingually spaced from the hood portions 1038 b. Lingualledges 1058 b may be configured to minimize and/or substantially preventlingual movement of the locking clip 1026 b. In this specific example,the hood portions 1038 b have been reduced/thinned(gingivally-occlusally) and the gingival tip of the tab portions of theclip may be bent slightly labially for enhanced interactivity.Furthermore, the curved portion 1032 b of the locking clip 1026 b mayinclude a throughhole 1060 b, which corresponds with a depression 1046 bof the open-stop groove 1042 b to allow for access of a dental tool toaid in the opening and/or closing of the bracket 1010 b.

Bracket 1010 b may further include an alternate locking mechanism havinga modified lingual free end of the locking clip being received by thelingual opening of the bracket. More particularly, the locking clip 1026b may include a lingual free end 1028 b having a plurality of spacedapart deformable fingers 1062 b for engagement with a lingual opening1064 b formed at an occlusal portion of the body. The deformable fingers1062 b having outwardly extending mesial/distal flange portions 1066 bat a gingival free end. The lingual opening 1064 b extending into acavity 1068 b having a larger width than the width of the lingualopening 1064 b to prevent the deformable fingers from passing throughthe lingual opening (while in a non-stressed state) and separating fromthe clip. Desirably the deformable fingers 1062 b are deformed towardsone another such that the width between the outer edges of the flangeportion is less than the lingual opening 1064 b so that the lingual freeend 1028 b of the locking clip 1026 b may be inserted through thelingual opening 1064 b and into the lingual cavity 1068 b for securementtherein. Once the lingual free end of the locking clip is received intothe lingual cavity, the deformable fingers substantially return to theirnon-stressed state/position. Optionally, once received in the lingualcavity, the deformable fingers may remain in a partially stressed statedue to active engagement of the outer edges 1070 b of the flangeportions with the respective mesial and distal side walls 1072 b of thelingual cavity to aid in suppressing movement (e.g., twisting,mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise).

FIGS. 4A-4D are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 3A-3E in which the receiving member1036 c may further include end walls 1074 c interconnecting the labialhoods 1038 c and the lingual ledges 1058 c to define a perimeter arounda throughhole 1076 c in the receiving areas to cover and protect themesial and distal tab portions 1031 c of the locking clip 1026 c whilein the closed position. As in FIGS. 3A-3E, the gingival tie wings 1016 chave been reduced/thinned (gingivally-occlusally) and the gingival tipof the tab portions 1031 c may be bent slightly labially for enhancedinteractivity. Furthermore, the width of the notched portion 1034 c atthe tab portions 1031 c may be correspondingly provided to fit the widthof the bracket body 1012 c to suppress shifting and/or twisting of thelocking clip 1026 c while in the closed position.

FIGS. 5A-5F are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 3A-3E in which the receiving member1036 d may further include a separate artifact as mesial-distalextension 1078 d to the gingival tie wings 1016 d. The mesial-distalextensions 1078 d being configured to interconnect the labial hoodportions 1038 d with the respective lingual ledges 1058 d in the shapeof a “c-cup” to retain the tab portions 1031 d of the locking clip 1026d while in the closed position.

FIG. 5E is a cross-sectional view of the self-ligating dental bracket inFIG. 5A, which further illustrates a depression/chamfer 1046 d in theopen stop groove 1042 d of the body 1012 d between the occlusal tiewings 1018 d to guide a standard dental instrument to facilitate theopening of the locking clip 1026 d.

FIGS. 6A-6C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 5A-5E in which an alternate lockingmechanism may be provided. The alternate locking mechanism may includeratchet portions 1080 e about the respective side walls 1072 e (e.g.,mesial and distal side walls) of the lingual cavity 1068 e tosubstantially maintain each flange portion 1066 e of the lingual freeend 1028 e of the locking clip 1026 c in a generally predeterminedposition 1082 e and/or area of the lingual cavity 1068 e while in theclosed position. The ratchet portions 1080 e may further include taperedocclusal end portions 1084 e to facilitate movement of the lingual freeend 1028 e to the predetermined (gingival) area 1082 e of the lingualcavity.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the bodyand clip of a self-ligating dental bracket shown in FIG. 5E in which theclip slides gingivally toward the open position before the lingual freeend of the clip slightly pivots labially at the near-open position.

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the body and clip in FIG. 6A in which thelingual free end of the locking clip locks securely in the closedposition. When the clip slides gingivally toward the open position, thelingual free end of the clip will be guided by the tapered opening inthe lingual portion of the body.

FIG. 6E is a perspective view of the locking clip 1026 e may furtherinclude a least one grooves 1086 e extending (e.g., labially-lingually)about the curved portion 1032 e. In one specific example, the lockingclip 1026 e includes a pair of labially-lingually extending grooves 1086e, though not required. The grooves 1086 e may provide additionalreinforcement to the locking clip 1026 e to suppress shifting and/ortwisting of the locking clip 1026 e while in the closed position . . . .IS THIS TRUE?

FIGS. 7A-7C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in which the receiving member 1036 f mayinclude full hood portions 1038 f similar to the alternate embodimentshown in FIG. 1A (e.g., not having a reduced in thickness) while furtherincluding lingual ledges 1058 f. In this specific embodiment, thegingival tip portions 1033 f of the tab portions 1031 f may remaingenerally flat.

FIGS. 8A-8E are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 4A-4D in which the receiving member1036 g may further include full hood portions 1038 g extending from therespective gingival tie wings 1016 g thereby providing an increasedlabial surface 1088 g about the gingival tie wings 1016 g. In doing so,the hook portions 1019 g of the gingival tie wings 1018 g may extendlingually, at least partially covering the gingival side of thethroughhole 1076 g 1.

FIGS. 9A-9H are various views of another embodiment of the self-ligatingbracket of the present invention in which the bracket 1010 h includes amodified locking clip 1026 h and a modified receiving member 1036 h. Inthis specific embodiment, the receiving member 1036 h may be centrallylocated about the bracket body 1012 h and may include a continuousretaining (e.g., resting) channel 1090 h to allow a positive seat forretaining the locking clip 1026 h. Desirably, the retaining channel 1090h extends generally in a parallel manner to the archwire slot 1020 hbetween the respective mesial and distal sides of the bracket body 1012h. In this specific embodiment, the width of the locking clip 1026 h atthe labial free end 1030 h may be been reduced to generally the samemesial-distal width of the bracket body 1012 h. Furthermore, the labialfree end 1030 a of the locking clip 1026 h may include a single tabportion 1031 h (e.g., generally free of a notch), which generallycorresponds with the retaining channel 1090 h. The retaining channel maybe further defined by a generally c-shaped profile to not only provide apositive seat (and limit lingual movement of the labial free end 1030h), but may also provide a hood portion 1038 h to limit labial movementof the labial free end 1030 h while in the closed position. Optionally,the height (e.g., labial-lingual height) of the retaining channel 1090 hmay be sufficiently sized (e.g., less than or equal to the thickness ofthe archwire) so that archwire entrapment therein may be substantiallyprevented while the free end portion 1030 h of the locking clip 1026 his in the closed position.

FIG. 9F is a gingival view of the self-ligating dental bracket 1010 hshown in FIG. 9A that incorporates a lingual opening 1064 h (e.g.,throughhole), which is a continuous channel extending between thegingival tie wings 1016 h and the occlusal tie wings 1018 h towards thelingual portion of the body to facilitate the cleaning of entrappedcalculus/tartar.

FIG. 9G is a bottom view of the body 1012 h and locking clip 1026 h of aself-ligating dental bracket shown in FIG. 9A while in a closed positionwith the base removed. In this specific embodiment, the lingual opening1064 h extends completely through the lingual portion of the body 1012 h(as discussed above) while the area of the lingual cavity 1068 h hasbeen reduced.

FIGS. 10A-10B, 10C-10D, 11A-11C, 12A-12C, 13A-13C, 14A-14C, 15A-15C, and16A-16C are various views of alternate locking mechanisms of theself-ligating dental brackets of the present invention.

FIGS. 10A-10D are various views of an alternate embodiment of theself-ligating dental bracket shown in FIGS. 9G-9H in which the lingualcavity 1068 m has.

FIGS. 10A-10B provide self-ligating bracket 1010 i, which may include amodified locking arrangement having a locking clip 1026 i and a lingualcavity 1068 i having a centrally located stabilizing member with lockinggrooves/ratchets to facilitate and securely lock the lingual free end ofthe locking clip in both the opened and closed positions. In thisspecific embodiment, the locking clip 1026 i includes aY-shaped/U-shaped lingual free end 1028 i having deformable fingers 1062i. The deformable fingers 1062 i may include inwardly extending flangeportions 1066 i that are configured to actively engage open positiongrooves 1094 i (to aid in maintaining the bracket in the open position)or closed position grooves 1096 i (to aid in maintaining the bracket inthe closed position) of a stabilizing member 1098 i. The stabilizingmember 1098 i may be located generally in a central region (e.g.,generally parallel to the interwing region 1024 i) of the lingual cavity1068 i, though not required. In this specific embodiment, thestabilizing member 1098 i extends from the gingival side of the lingualopening 1064 to an intermediate position within the lingual cavity 1068i so that each deformable finger 1062 i extends along at least one sideof the stabilizing member 1098 i.

In use, the deformable fingers compress towards one another to reducethe overall width of the lingual free end portion 1028 i for insertioninto through the lingual opening. Once the lingual free end portionextends through the lingual opening 1064 i, the deformable fingersreturn to a non-stressed position, which includes a width generallysmaller than the width of engagement ribs of the stabilizing member 1098i. Insertion of the locking clip 1026 h continues into the lingualcavity 1068 i, where the flange portions 1066 i are deflected outwardsupon contacting a first pair of engagement ribs 1100 i until the flangeportions 1066 i are received in the pair of open position grooves 1094 iand will remain while the bracket is in the open position. To achievethe closed position, the locking clip 1026 i is further inserted(gingivally) into the lingual cavity 1068 i, where the flange portions1066 i are again deflected outward upon contacting a second pair ofengagement ribs 1102 i until the flange portions 1066 i are receivedinto the pair of closed position grooves 1096 i so that the bracket 1010i is substantially maintained in the closed position. To return thebracket to the open position, the locking clip 1026 i is movedocclusally towards the second pair of engagement rings until the flangeportions 1066 i are received into the open position grooves 1094 i.Active engagement of the deformable fingers 1062 i (e.g., flangeportions 1066 i) and the stabilizing member 1098 i (closed positiongrooves) aid in suppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distalmovement, and/or otherwise) of the locking clip 1026 i while in theclosed position.

The self-ligating dental bracket 1010 i may incorporate a lingualopening 1064 i (e.g., throughhole), which may include two channels 1064i′ extending from the gingival tie wings 1016 i to a single channel 1064i″ at the occlusal tie wings 1018 i towards at a lingual portion of thebody to facilitate the cleaning of entrapped calculus/tartar.

FIGS. 10C-10D provide self-ligating bracket 1010 j, which may include amodified locking arrangement having a locking clip 1026 j and a lingualcavity 1068 j having a mesially and distally located lockinggrooves/ratchets to facilitate and securely lock the lingual free end ofthe locking clip in both the opened and closed positions. In thisspecific embodiment, the locking clip 1026 j includes aY-shaped/U-shaped lingual free end 1028 j having deformable fingers 1062j. The deformable fingers 1062 i may include outwardly extending flangeportions 1066 j that are configured to actively engage open positiongrooves 1094 j (to aid in maintaining the bracket in the open position)or closed position grooves 1096 j (to aid in maintaining the bracket inthe closed position) of the mesial and distal side walls 1072 j of thelingual cavity 1068 j.

In use, the deformable fingers compress inwards towards one another toreduce the overall width of the lingual free end portion 1028 j forinsertion through the lingual opening. Once the lingual free end portionextends past a first pair of engagement ribs 1100 j, the deformablefingers attempt to return to a non-stress position while the flangeportions 1066 j are received in the pair of open position grooves 1094 jand will remain while the bracket is in the open position. To achievethe closed position, the locking clip 1026 j is further inserted(gingivally) into the lingual cavity 1068 j, where the flange portions1066 j are again deflected inward upon contacting a second pair ofengagement ribs 1102 j until the flange portions 1066 j are receivedinto the pair of closed position grooves 1096 j so that the bracket 1010j is substantially maintained in the closed position. To return thebracket to the open position, the locking clip 1026 j is movedocclusally towards the second pair of engagement ribs 1102 j until theflange portions 1066 j are received into the open position grooves 1094i. Active engagement (e.g., flange portions in compression (stressedposition) so that an outward force on the sidewalls 1072 j is provided)on the deformable fingers 1062 j (e.g., flange portions 1066 j) and thestabilizing member 1098 j (closed position grooves) aid in suppressingmovement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) ofthe locking clip 1026 j while in the closed position.

FIGS. 11A-11B are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 3E in which the lingual cavity 1068k further includes a stabilizing member 1098 k extending from a gingivalside wall 1073 k in generally a central location. In this specificembodiment, the width of the stabilizing member 1098 k and the width ofthe spacing between the deformable fingers 1062 k may be configured tocorrespond (e.g., fit and/or active engage) with one another to aid insuppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/orotherwise) of the locking clip 1026 k while in the closed position.

As shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, the lingual cavity 1068 k may further includea chamfered portion (e.g., recess) 1099 k to guide the lingual free endportion 1028 k of the locking clip 1026 k and aid in expanding thelocking clip 1026 during the transition from the open position to theclosed position. Furthermore, the chamfered portion 1099 k may beconfigured to provide clearance for the curved portion 1032 k of thelocking clip 1026 k while in the closed position.

FIGS. 12A-12C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 3E in which the lingual cavity 1068l may further include a rib 1104 l and a wedge portion 1106 l toactively engage a locking clip 1026 k having a bridge portion 1108 l.The bridge portion 1108 l interconnecting the deformable fingers 1062 lat a gingival portion of the lingual free end 1028 l of the locking clip1026 l. The rib portion 1104 l being spacedly positioned from thegingival side wall 1073 l and configured to engage the bridge portion1108 l having a corresponding mesial-distal groove 1111 l for a positivelock to substantially maintain the locking clip in the closed position.The wedge portion being occlusally positioned within the cavity at acentral location and configured to substantially prevent the lockingclip 1026 l from being removed from the lingual cavity 1068 l. In thisspecific embodiment, the positive lock of the bridge portion with therib and/or the fit of the wedge 1106 l within the corresponding spacingbetween the deformable fingers 1062 l are configured to aid insuppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/orotherwise) of the locking clip 1026 l while in the closed position.Furthermore, the width of the neck portion 1029 l may correspond (e.g.,fit to) the mesial distal width of the lingual cavity 1068 l (and thelingual opening 1064 l) to further aid in suppressing movement (e.g.,twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) of the locking clip1026 l while in the closed position.

FIGS. 13A-13C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 11A in which the lingual cavity 1068m may further include a plurality of mesially-distally spaced apartstabilizing members 1098 m extending from a gingival side wall 1073 m ingenerally a centralized location with the lingual cavity 1068 m. In thisspecific embodiment, the locking clip 1026 m may further include astabilizing finger 1110 m extending from the lingual free end 1028 m andintermediate of the deformable fingers 1062 m. The width of thestabilizing finger 1110 m and the width of the spacing between thestabilizing members 1098 m are configured to correspond (e.g., fitand/or actively engage) with one another to aid in suppressing movement(e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) of thelocking clip 1026 m while in the closed position. Optionally, themesial-distal width of the lingual free end 1028 m (e.g., generallytaken across the flange portions 1066 m) is configured to be wider (in anon-stressed state) than the mesial-distal width of the lingual cavity1068 m so that upon insertion within the lingual cavity 1068 m theflange portions 1066 m may exert an outward force (e.g., in a stressedstate) on the respective mesial and distal side walls 1072 m to aid insuppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/orotherwise) of the locking clip 1026 m while in the closed position.

FIGS. 14A-14C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 11A in which the lingual cavity 1068m may further include a plurality of mesially-distally spaced apartstabilizing members 1098 m extending from a gingival side wall 1073 m ingenerally a centralized location with the lingual cavity 1068 m. In thisspecific embodiment, the locking clip 1026 m may further include astabilizing finger 1110 m extending from the lingual free end 1028 m andintermediate of the deformable fingers 1062 m. The width of thestabilizing finger 1110 m and the width of the spacing between thestabilizing members 1098 m are configured to correspond (e.g., fitand/or actively engage) with one another to aid in suppressing movement(e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) of thelocking clip 1026 m while in the closed position. Optionally, themesial-distal width of the lingual free end 1028 m (e.g., generallytaken across the flange portions 1066 m) is configured to be wider (in anon-stressed state) than the mesial-distal width of the lingual cavity1068 m so that upon insertion within the lingual cavity 1068 m theflange portions 1066 m may exert an outward force (e.g., in a stressedstate) on the respective mesial and distal side walls 1072 m to aid insuppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/orotherwise) of the locking clip 1026 m while in the closed position.

FIGS. 14A-14C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 13A in which the lingual cavity 1068n further includes a single stabilizing member 1098 n extending from agingival side wall 1073 n in generally a central location. In thisspecific embodiment, the mesial-distal width of the lingual free end1028 n (e.g., generally taken across the flange portions 1066 n) may beconfigured to be wider (in a non-stressed state) than the mesial-distalwidth of the lingual cavity 1068 m (e.g., from mesial side wall todistal side wall) so that upon insertion within the lingual cavity 1068n the flange portions 1066 n may exert an outward force (e.g., in astressed state) on the respective mesial and distal side walls 1072 n toaid in suppressing movement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement,and/or otherwise) of the locking clip 1026 n while in the closedposition. Furthermore, the locking mechanism may further include a widerstabilizing member 1098 n of the lingual cavity 1068 n, an increasedlingual free end portion 1028 n mesial-distal width to lingual cavity1068 mesial-distal width ratio, or both so that an additional force maybe provided by an intermediate portion 1112 n of the deformable fingers1062 n on the stabilizing member 1098 n to further aid in suppressingmovement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) ofthe locking clip 1026 n while in the closed position.

FIGS. 15A-15C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 3E in which the lingual free end1028 o of the locking clip 1026 o may further include a neck portion1029 o and intermediate grooves 1114 o to aid in the deformation of thedeformable fingers 1062. In this specific embodiment, the mesial-distalwidth of the lingual free end portion 1028 o (e.g., generally takenacross the flange portions 1066 o) may be configured to be wider (in anon-stressed state) than the mesial-distal width of the lingual cavity1068 o (e.g., from mesial side wall to distal side wall) so that uponinsertion within the lingual cavity 1068 o the flange portions 1066 omay exert an outward force (e.g., in a stressed state) on the respectivemesial and distal side walls 1072 o to aid in suppressing movement(e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) of thelocking clip 1026 o while in the closed position. Furthermore, the neckportion 1029 o may extend into the lingual cavity (while in the closedposition) and may be sized corresponding to the width of the lingualopening 1064 o to aid in guiding the locking clip 1026 o duringtransition between the open and closed positions.

FIGS. 16A-16C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 3E in which wider mesial and distalside walls 1072 p may be provided so as to be generally flush mesial anddistal edges 1116 p of the lingual opening 1064 p (occlusal side ofbody) thereby resulting in a reduced lingual cavity 1068 p. Furthermore,the locking clip 1026 p may further include a U-shaped lingual free end1028 p having deformable fingers 1062 p with inward facing flangeportions 1066 p forming a gingival opening 1118 p therebetween. Theflange portions 1066 p may include opposing edges 1120 p having angled,curved, and/or otherwise portions to aid in securing the locking clip1026 p to the bracket body 1012 p. More particularly, duringinstallation of the locking clip 1026 p the lingual free end 1028 p isinserted gingivally into the occlusal side of the lingual opening 1064 pwhere the opposing edges 1120 p of the flange portions 1066 p arebrought into contact with an occlusal protrusion 1122 p of the lingualcavity 1068 p. The deformable fingers 1062 p may be deformed outwardthereby increasing the width of the gingival opening 1118 p to allow forpassage of the occlusal protrusion 1122 p through the gingival opening1118 p. In doing so, the lingual free end 1028 p is allowed to befurther inserted into the lingual cavity for securement of the lockingclip to the body 1012 p. The gingival opening 1118 p may be configuredso that the gingival side of the gingival opening 1118 p allows forpassage of the occlusal protrusion 1122 p during installment of thelocking clip while the occlusal side of the gingival openingsubstantially preventing passage of the occlusal protrusion 1122 p sothat the locking clip may remain secured to the body 1012 p. Desirably,the neck portion 1029 p may extend into the lingual cavity (while in theclosed position) and may be sized corresponding to the width of thelingual opening 1064 p to aid in guiding the locking clip 1026 p duringtransition between the open and closed positions. Desirably, the widthof the neck portion 1029 p (e.g., from distal edge of distal deformablefinger to the mesial edge of the mesial deformable finger) maycorrespond (e.g., fit to) the mesial distal width of the lingual cavity1068 p (and the lingual opening 1064 p) to further aid in guiding thelocking clip between the open and closed positions and/or suppressingmovement (e.g., twisting, mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) ofthe locking clip 1026 p while in the closed position.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket is shown in FIGS. 17A-17I, and is generallyindicated to by reference numeral 610. As can be seen, the orthodonticbracket 610 includes a body 612, a lingual mounting base 614 attached tothe body, and a locking mechanism having a locking clip 626 and aretaining member 627. The body 612 may include a pair of laterallyspaced gingival tie wings 616 and a pair of laterally spaced occlusaltie wings 618 extending from the labial surface of the body 612. Thegingival tie wings 616 and the occlusal tie wings 618 generally curvelingually. An archwire slot 620 extends mesio-distally across the body612 and between the gingival and occlusal tie wings 616 and 618. Thearchwire slot 620 opens labially to receive an archwire 622.

A first bridge portion 660 and a second bridge portion 661 are providedin an interwing region 624, with the first bridge portion 660 spanningbetween the gingival tie wings 616 and the second bridge portion 661spanning between the occlusal tie wings 618. It is appreciated that thefirst and second bridge portions 660 and 661 extend from labial surfaceof the archwire slot (and defining portions thereof) up to the labialsurfaces of the respective tie wings 616 and 618.

The retaining member 627 may includes a first pair of stops 644 and asecond pair of stops 646 on the gingival tie wings 616 to inhibitinadvertent movement of the locking clip 626 from a closed position(e.g., an active first closed position in stops 644 or a second closedposition in stops 646) to an open position and optionally to maintainthe locking clip 626 open when it is pivoted to the open position. Eachstop defining a first opening, at least one guide portion, and at leastone flange. The first pair of stops 644 extend generally outward fromthe respective gingival tie wings 616 and include a first opening 664, afirst guide portion 674, and a first flange 668 for engagement with thelocking clip 626 to maintain the first closed position (e.g., activebracket for active first closed position). Similarly, the second pair ofstops 646 extend generally outward from the respective gingival tiewings 616 and include a second opening 666, a guide portion 675, and asecond flange 669 for engagement with the locking clip 626 to maintainthe second closed position (e.g., passive bracket for passive secondclosed position). It is appreciated that the first and second pairs ofstops 644 and 646 may positioned so that one stop of each pair of stops644 and 646 is gingivally-occlusally juxtaposed to the respective otherstop of each pair of stops 644 and 646. Desirably, the pairs of stops oneach gingival tie may define a generally W-shaped configuration. It isfurther appreciated that the pairs of stops may be located elsewhere,for example along the respective internal surface of the gingival tiewings 616 about the interwing region 624.

The locking clip 626 is pivotally mounted on the occlusal tie wings 618and is moveable between two closed positions (FIGS. 34-37) where accessto the archwire slot 620 is inhibited and an open position (FIG. 31-33)where access to the archwire slot 620 is permitted. It is appreciatedthat the locking clip 626 is in the form of spring element having agenerally Y-shaped configuration. More particularly, the locking clip626 may include a head portion 628, with a pair of opposing side arms650 and 652, which define an opening 629 therebetween. It is appreciatedthat the head portion 628 and/or the side arms 650 and 652 areconfigured to extend across the archwire slot 620.

The arms 650 and 652 may include free ends (e.g., extending generallymesial and distal, though not required) that are in-turned to defineoppositely directed spaced apart hook ends 672. The (gingival) hook ends672 may be received in the respective first openings 664 or therespective second openings 666, which are formed in the gingival tiewings 616.

The locking clip 626 may also include a connecting the head 628 and abase portion 692 having opposed free ends (e.g., extending generallymesial and distal, though not required) that are out-turned to defineoppositely directed spaced apart tail ends 632 and 634 respectively.Each of the tail ends 632 and 634 is received in a respective bore 636and 638 formed in one of the occlusal tie wings 618. The bores 636 and638 may extend (e.g., mesial-distally) completely through the respectivetie wings 618 or partially therethrough.

To close the orthodontic bracket 610 in the first closed position, thelocking clip 626 is pivoted about the tails 632 and 634 towards thefirst pair of stops 644 (e.g., gingival first pair of stops) of thelocking mechanism 627 about the gingival tie wings 616. The hook ends672 (e.g., 672 a and 672 b) make contact with and are gingivally guidedalong the respective labial surface of the first guide portions 674. Thehook ends 672 are continually guided along the labial surfaces of thefirst guide portions 674 until the hook ends 672 extend beyond theflanges 668 of the first pair of stops 644. This allows the locking clip626 to snap back towards its non-stressed state so that the hooks 672engage the respective flanges 668 thereby maintaining the locking clip626 in the first closed position. In doing so, the locking clip 626 isdeflected lingually so that contact between the locking clip, thearchwire, and the archwire slot may be substantially or completelymaintained while in the first closed position (FIGS. 36A, 36B, and 37).

More particularly, the reaction force applied to the labial surface ofthe first guide portions 674 by the hook ends 672 causes the lockingclip 676 to deflect (e.g., gingivally-lingually) into a stressed-state.When the hook ends 672 are pivoted beyond the respective first stops 644and generally lingually into the first openings 664, the locking clip626 snaps back towards the first flanges 668 in an attempt to return toits non-stressed state. In doing so, the first flanges 668 of the firstpair of stops 644 prevent removal of the respective hook ends 672 fromthe first opening 664 during its first closed position. The firstflanges 668 inhibit the locking clip 626 while in this stressedcondition from moving back towards the open position. In this way, thearchwire slot 620 remains closed thereby actively securing the archwire622 a in the archwire slot.

To close the orthodontic bracket 610 in the second closed position, thelocking clip 626 is pivoted about the tails 632 and 634 towards thesecond pair of stops 646 of the locking mechanism 627 about the gingivaltie wings 616. The hook ends 672 make contact with and are gingivallyguided along the respective labial surface of the second guide portions675. The hook ends 672 are continually guided along the labial surfacesof the second guide portions 675 until the hook ends 672 extend beyond(e.g., gingivally-lingually) the first flanges 669 of the second pair ofstops 646. This allows the locking clip 626 to snap back towards itsnon-stressed state so that the hook ends 672 engage the respectivesecond flanges 669 thereby maintaining the locking clip 626 in thesecond closed position. In doing so, the locking clip 626 may beslightly deflected lingually so that minimal or no contact between thelocking clip 626 and the archwire may be maintained while in the secondclosed position (FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 35).

More particularly, the reaction force applied to the labial surface ofthe second guide portions 675 by the hook ends 672 causes the lockingclip 676 to deflect (e.g., gingivally-lingually) into a stressed-state.When the hook ends 672 are pivoted beyond the respective second stops646 and generally lingually into the second openings 666, the lockingclip 626 snaps back towards the second flanges 669 in an attempt toreturn to its non-stressed state. In doing so, the second flanges 669prevent removal of the respective hook ends 672 from the second openings666 during its second closed position. As such, the second flanges 669inhibit the locking clip 626 while in this stressed condition frommoving back towards the open position. In this way, the archwire slot620 remains closed thereby passively securing the archwire 622 b in thearchwire slot.

To release the archwire, the locking clip 626 are pushedgingivally-lingually to disengage the hook ends 672 from the respectivefirst or second pairs of stops 644 and 646. In one specific example torelease the archwire from the first closed position, the hooks ends 672are first moved gingivally-lingually (typically along the labial surfaceof a third guide portion 676) beyond the first flanges 668. In anotherspecific example to release the archwire from the second closedposition, the hooks ends 672 are first moved gingivally-lingually(typically along the labial surface of a first guide portion 674) beyondthe second flanges 669. Thereafter, the locking clip 626 may be removedfrom either of the respective first and second pairs of stops 644 and646 so that the locking clip 626 (in its non-stressed state) is free topivot about the tails 632 and 634

In one specific example, it is contemplated that as the locking clip 626is moved (e.g., directed or pushed gingivally) along the first guide674, the locking clip 626 disengages from the second pair of stops 646.Once the locking clip 626 is moved beyond the first pair of stops 644,the hook ends 672 bias lingually-occlusally into the first opening 664thereby transitioning the locking clip from the second closed positionto the first closed position.

Optionally, the bracket 610 may further include a groove 680 forreceiving an optional ligature. When included, the groove 680 may bepositioned between the along the exterior of the tie wings 616. It isappreciated that the groove 680 may be configured to aid in releasingthe locking clip 626 from the second closed position and/or the firstclosed position by providing access to the arms of the locking clip 626.For example, while the locking clip 626 is being moved (e.g., directedor pushed gingivally) from the first closed position along the thirdguide 676, the hook ends 672 will be directed lingually and under thelingual free ends of the tie wings into the groove 680 such that thespring-tension of the locking clip will automatically move (e.g.,labially direct) the locking clip 626 through the groove 680 to the openposition.

FIGS. 17J-17L are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 17A-17I in which the occlusalportion of the locking clip 626 a includes a pair of lingually curvedarms 696 a for pivotal engagement with the bores 636 a and 638 a. Thearms 696 a being spaced apart to define a generally Y-shaped occlusalportion of the locking clip 626 a.

Self-ligating brackets having a ratchet design may include a singleratchet or a plurality of ratchets that may be attached to the tie wing(e.g. gingival tie wing or wings) of the bracket body. The ratchets maybe an integral part of gingival tie-wings (outside or inside), or may beattached permanently to Tie-wings by appropriate manufacturing method,or can be attached to any other (appropriate) location on the body. Theratchet design may have multiple slots to lock the top legs of clip (ata labial portion of the archwire clip and preferably at a labial freeend of the clip) when closed.

It is believed that this engagement design may be configured such thatthe clip may be opened and/or closed simply pushing the clip with afinger and/or otherwise (e.g., tool). Advantageously, this ratchet basedengagement mechanism may be configured such that the need for instrumentto open or close the clip may be eliminated as compared to the priorart.

FIGS. 18A-18D are various views of an alternative embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 17A in which a modified “ratchet”based engagement mechanism may be provided having a locking clip 626 band a retaining member 627 b. The body 612 b may include a pair oflaterally spaced gingival tie wings 616 b and a pair of laterally spacedocclusal tie wings 618 b extending the body 612 b. The gingival tiewings 616 b generally curve lingually thereby forming a portion of theretaining member 627 b.

The retaining member 627 b may include a pair of opposing stops 644 b onthe gingival tie wings 616 b to inhibit inadvertent movement of thelocking clip 626 b from a closed position to an open position andoptionally to maintain the locking clip 626 b open when it is pivoted tothe open position. The stops 644 b may be an integral extension of therespective gingival tie wings 616 b curving lingually therefrom to formopening 664 bs, guide portions 674 b, and flanges 668 b for engagementwith the locking clip 626 b to maintain a closed position. Desirably,the stops 644 b on each gingival tie wing may define a generallyhook-shaped configuration, though not required.

The locking clip 626 b may include a base portion 692 b having opposingbase arms 693 b being pivotally mounted on the occlusal tie wings 618 b.The spaced apart base arms 693 b may further include oppositely directedtail ends 632 b and 634 b respectively. Each of the tail ends 632 b and634 b is received in a respective bore 636 b and 638 b formed in one ofthe occlusal tie wings 618 b. In this specific embodiment, the base arms693 b are generally flat.

It is appreciated that the locking clip 626 b may be in the form ofspring element having a generally T-shaped configuration. Moreparticularly, the locking clip 626 b may include a head portion 628 band an intermediate portion 649 b that generally covers the arch wireslot 620 b while in the closed position. The head portion 628 b and theintermediate portion 649 b may include a pair of side arms 650 b and 652b, respectively, which extend mesially and distally from the headportion 628 b and intermediate portion 649 b to define recesses 651 btherebetween. The arms 650 b may be received in the respective openings664, which are formed in the gingival tie wings 616 to secure thelocking clip 626 b in the closed position.

Optionally, the bracket 610 b may further include grooves 680 b forreceiving an optional ligature. When included, the groove 680 b may bepositioned along the exterior of the gingival tie wings 616 b. It isappreciated that the groove 680 b may be configured to aid in releasingthe locking clip 626 b (e.g., arms 650 b) from the closed position byproviding access to the arms 650 b of the locking clip 626 b. Forexample, while the locking clip 626 b is being moved (e.g., directed orpushed gingivally) from the closed position along the guide 674 b, thearms 650 b will be directed lingually and under the lingual free ends ofthe tie wings into the groove 680 b such that the spring-tension of thelocking clip will automatically move (e.g., labially direct) the lockingclip 626 b through the groove 680 to the open position.

FIGS. 19A-19E are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 18A-18D in which the retainingmembers 627 c have been reduced extend inwardly from a portion of thegingival tie wings 616 c. In doing so, hook portions of the gingival tiewings 616 c may available for receiving optional ligature(s).

The interactivity between the locking clip 626 c and archwire 622 c inthe final active stage may be critical from a clinical perspective. Itis believed that variation in the clip design may allow for theinteractivity between the clip and archwire. Generally, theinteractivity may be defined as clip having some room to move (e.g.,“floating” and/or moveable while in the closed position). For example asshown in FIG. 19D, a zoomed in view of a “ratcheting” member isprovided, which alone or in combination with an opposing ratchetingmember may be configured to achieve this type of interactivity. Moreparticularly, as shown if FIG. 19D, a clearance may be achieved whilethe labial free end of the clip engages the locking ratcheting slotafter the clip is in the closed position.

The middle of clip (e.g., the section of the clip that generally may bein contact with archwire) may be sufficiently flexible to generallymaintain a predetermined interactivity. Both geometry change (i.e. lessmaterial) and/or softer material of the clip may be optimized to achievethe predetermined interactivity between the middle section of clip andthe arch wire (FIG. 19C).

Once the clip is in the final locked position, tensional (spring) forcemay be generated in the clip. As a result, it is appreciated that whenthe clip is pushed down (e.g., lingually) further from the final lockedposition, the tension will pull the tip of the clip (e.g., T-shaped orotherwise shaped post at the labial free end of the clip) so that theclip may be released from the slot (e.g., ginigival ratcheting slot(s))to the open position.

FIGS. 20A-20B are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 19A-19E in which the base portion692 d of the locking clip 626 d may include curved base arms 693 d.

FIGS. 21A-21C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 19A-19E in which the tail ends 632e and 634 e may be provided as generally rectangular members extendingfrom the base arms 693 e. In doing so, the respective bores 636 e and638 e have been modified rectangular openings to correspond with therectangular tail ends 632 e and 634 e.

FIGS. 22A-22C are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 19A-19E in which the bores 636 fand 638 f have been configured as a FIG. 8-shape so that the lockingclip 626 f can slide-rotate between an open position (e.g., alingual-occlusal side 636 f′ and 638′ of the respective bore 636 f, 638f) and a closed position (e.g., a labial-gingival side 636 f″ and 638 rof the respective bore 636 f, 638 f).

FIGS. 23A-23B are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 19A-19E in which the bores 636 gand 638 g have been configured as a FIG. 8-shape so that the lockingclip 626 g can slide-rotate between an open position (e.g., alabial-occlusal side 636 g′ and 638 g′ of the respective bore 636 g, 638g) and a closed position (e.g., a lingual-gingival side 636 g″ and 638g″ of the respective bore 636 g, 638 g).

Unlike the free rotating hinged clip design that only rotates about afulcrum as discussed herein, this additional embodiment may include bothrotational and sliding motion separately or preferably at the same time.It is believed that the sliding-up motion during the clip closing, FIGS.23D-23E, less stress may be generated in the clip so that permanentdeformation may be prevented.

FIGS. 24A-24B are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 19A-19E in which a second pair ofretaining (lingual) openings 666 h may be further provided. In thisspecific embodiment, the retaining member 627 h may include a first pairof stops 644 h and a second pair of stops 646 h on the gingival tiewings 616 h to inhibit inadvertent movement of the locking clip 626 hfrom a closed position (e.g., an active first closed position in stops644 h or a second closed position in stops 646 h) to an open positionand optionally to maintain the locking clip 626 h open when it ispivoted to the open position. Each stop defining a first opening, atleast one guide portion, and at least one flange. The first pair ofstops 644 h extend generally outward from the respective gingival tiewings 616 and include a first opening 664 h, a first guide portion 674h, and a first flange 668 h for engagement with the locking clip 626 hto maintain the first closed position (e.g., active bracket for activefirst closed position). Similarly, the second pair of stops 646 h extendgenerally outward from the respective gingival tie wings 616 and includea second opening 666 h, a guide portion 675 h, and a second flange 669for engagement with the locking clip 626 h to maintain the second closedposition (e.g., passive bracket for passive second closed position). Itis appreciated that the first and second pairs of stops 644 h and 646 hmay positioned so that one stop of each pair of stops 644 h and 646 h isgingivally-occlusally juxtaposed to the respective other stop of eachpair of stops 644 h and 646 h. Desirably, the pairs of stops on eachgingival tie may define a generally W-shaped configuration.

As shown in FIGS. 22 and 24, the present invention may include anotherembodiment of a self-ligating bracket having a clip sliding/pivotingmechanism that may be configured to reduce the tension in the clipand/or prevent any resulting permanent deformation of clip so as togenerally maintain the functionality of the clip.

The present invention may further provide another embodiment of theself-ligating bracket as shown in FIGS. 25A-25H. Generally, theself-ligating bracket may include a body molded with a base and aC-Shape clip. The clip has two bent ends that slide over the archwireslot in both gingival and occlusal directions and depending on the modeof closing (gingival or occlusal), the system will behave active orpassive during the course of treatment. More particularly, this bracketconcept has three components (see in the above picture): Body, Clip andBase. The clip may be shaped like a C and it is capable of closing inboth gingival and occlusal mode. With a rectangular/square arch wiresits in the slot of body, this clip can express both the Passive and theActive engagement with the same ach wire depending on which end of clipcovers the slot of arch wire. The uniqueness of this concept is theability to change from a Passive stage to an Active stage (orvice-versa) without changing the wire. However, it is anticipated thatthe circular wire will tend to remain passive stage in both gingival andocclusal closing modes. The clip has a C-side shape (see the followingpicture) and has two bent ends. The two ends of clip have two differentclip-spans (see the red arrows in the following picture). In theOrthodontic treatment stages, the bracket has the passive stage (nocontact between the arch wire and the clip) and the active stage(Interference contact between the arch wire and the clip). See thefollowing pictures for the details. In the Passive stage (FIG. 25G) whenthe bigger end (e.g., gingival end) of the clip covers the arch wire,there is no contact between the clip and the arch wire. When the clip isin the open position, it doesn't cover the arch wire, FIG. 25H. In theActive stage (FIG. 25I) when the smaller end of the clip covers the archwire, there is interference contact between the clip and the arch wire.Desirably, dual stage brackets may be designed to have the interactivitybetween the clip and the arch wire for both Passive stage and Activestage.

FIG. 25J shows the interactivity between the arch wire and the occlusalend of clip in the Passive stage. The same design principal can be usedon the gingival end of clip in the Active stage for the interactivitybetween the arch wire and the gingival end of clip. Desirably, duringthe Passive stage, there is no physical contact between the arch wireand the clip. However, in some crowded occlusal cases, the arch wirewill start to contact with the clip. Because the clearance above theclip in the retainer channel (area between the occlusal free end of theclip and the lingual surface of the retainer wall (e.g., hood), theinteractivity between the clip and the arch wire will be achieved.

In this specific embodiment, the self-ligating bracket of the presentinvention in which the bracket 1010 q includes a modified locking clip1026 q and a modified receiving members 1036 q. The receiving members1036 q may include a first receiving member 1036 q′, which may bemesially and distally located about the gingival tie wings 1016 q of thebracket body 1012 q and may include a non-continuous retaining (e.g.,resting) channel 1090 q which includes a mesial and distal portions 1091q to allow a positive seat for the respective tab portions 1031 q of thelocking clip 1026 q. Desirably, the mesial and distal portions 1027 q ofthe retaining channel 1090 q extends generally in a parallel manner tothe archwire slot 1020 q. In this specific embodiment, the width of thelocking clip 1026 q at the labial free end 1030 q may be generally thesame mesial-distal width of the bracket body 1012 q. Furthermore, thelabial free end 1030 q of the locking clip 1026 q may include a notchportion 1034 q disposed between the tab portions 1031 q. The retainingchannel may be further defined by a generally c-shaped profile to notonly provide a positive seat (and limit lingual movement of the labialfree end 1030 q), but may also provide a hood portion 1038 h to limitlabial movement of the labial free end 1030 h while in the closedposition. Optionally, the height (e.g., labial-lingual height) of theretaining channel 1090 q may be sufficiently sized (e.g., less than orequal to the thickness of the archwire) so that archwire entrapmenttherein may be substantially prevented while the free end portion 1030 qof the locking clip 1026 q is in the closed position.

The receiving member 1036 q may further include a second receivingmember 1036 q″, which may be centrally located about the interwingregion 1024 q between the occlusal tie wings 1018 q. The interwingregion 1024 q may include an open stop groove 1042 having protrusions1044 q to aid in movement of the clip from an open position to a closedposition. Desirably the width of the labial-occlusal free end 1122 qcorresponds to the width of the interwing region 1024 q for receivingthe labial-occlusal free end 1122 q.

In this embodiment the bracket 1010 q may be configured for two closedpositions (an active closed position and a passive closed position) andan open position. In the active closed position (FIG. 25G), the lockingclip 1026 q is occlusally displaced such that the labial-gingival freeend 1030 q is actively engaging the archwire 1022 q locking clip 1026.In the passive closed position (FIG. 25H), the locking clip 1026 q isgingivally displaced such that the labial-occlusal free end 1122 qcloses off (e.g., covers) the archwire slot 1020 while substantiallyfree of contact with the archwire. Advantageously, the locking clip 1026q may be further displaced gingivally as shown in FIG. 25I toaccommodate smaller archwires in a passive closed position. In the openposition (FIG. 25F), the locking clip 1026 q is generally positioned sothat a spacing 1124 q between the labial-gingival free end 1030 q andthe labial-occlusal free end 1122 q is orientated generally parallel tothe archwire slot 1020 so as to allow for removal of the archwire 1022,located therein.

FIGS. 26A-26H are various views of another embodiment of a self-ligatingbracket of the present invention, which may include a body 1012 r (e.g.,Rhomboid body design) molded with a base 1014 r and at least one clip1026 r (e.g., a plurality of clips). More particularly, the clips 1026 r(e.g., metal clips) and body gear racks 1126 r can be formed through amicro-machining process. The clip 1026 r and body 1012 r may be designedas a mating gear rack mechanism or otherwise along the labial-lingualdirection allowing the clip to lock at different positions for differentwire sizes. The adjustable clips 1026 r include racks 1128 r, whichcorrespond and/or mate with the respective body gear racks 1126 r forratcheting/adjusting of the clips 1026 r. The adjustable clips 1026 rcan also allow for the adjustment between a passive, active, andinteractive engagement on the arch wire (e.g., Passive engagement refersto when the clip does not contact the arch wire while Active engagementmay refer to when the clip is applying a force directly on the archwire). Interactive engagement may occur when the clip engages with thearch wire but does not apply a force or substantially no force on thearch wire. When a plurality of clips are included, the two clips aredesirably independent of each other so it is possible to have engagementon the arch wire on one side alone.

The clip-wire interactions may be adjusted in various ways. For example,the clip-wire interaction may be adjusted by one or more of thefollowing, but not limited to: Active Engagement on the arch wire on themesial and distal sides of the bracket body; Passive Engagement on thearch wire on the mesial and distal sides of the bracket body;Interactive Engagement on the arch wire on the mesial and distal sidesof the bracket body; Active Engagement on the arch wire on the mesialside and Passive Engagement on the distal side of the bracket body;Active Engagement on the arch wire on the distal side and PassiveEngagement on the mesial side of the bracket body; InteractiveEngagement on the arch wire on the mesial side and Passive Engagement onthe distal side of the bracket body; Interactive Engagement on the archwire on the distal side and Passive Engagement on the mesial side of thebracket body; Active Engagement on the arch wire on the mesial side andInteractive Engagement on the distal side of the bracket body; ActiveEngagement on the arch wire on the distal side and InteractiveEngagement on the mesial side of the bracket body; and any combinationthereof.

The clips 1026 r may be opened using a scalar or other common dentalinstrument by applying a force at the edge of the gear rack 1128 r(e.g., ratcheting system) on the clip and pulling the clip in the labialdirection. The orientation of the gear rack 1128 r allows the clips tobe closed by pushing towards the lingual direction. As shown in FIGS.26G-26H, a rounded knob 1130 r on the clip on the opposite side of thegear rack allows the clip to slide easily in the labial direction to astop 1132 r that is built in the body of the bracket. When the roundknob 1130 r reaches the stop 1132 r on the body, the gear rack 1128 r onthe clip is disengaged from the mating gear rack 1126 r on the body andthe clip can then pivot so that it is no longer block the arch wire slot1020 r and an arch wire 1022 r can be removed or inserted (FIG. 261). Apost 1134 r (e.g., hook) may be attached to each clip for elasticsligation. The elastics that can be ligated can be used for aestheticpurposes allowing different color ligatures to be attached withaffecting the performance of the bracket. Elastics can also be attachedto help with leveling and aligning and tooth extrusion.

FIGS. 27A-27G are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIGS. 24A-24B in which a first and secondpair of retaining members are provided on the occlusal side of thegingival tie wings. Generally, the self-ligating bracket may include abody 612 i molded with a base 614 i and a sliding locking clip 626 i.More particularly, the bracket body may include two retainer channels(e.g., openings) 664 i, 666 i that may be used to allow the clip 626 ito utilize two treatment stages (Passive and Active) with the same archwire. This bracket concept may also be designed to have three differentdirections, gingival, occlusal, lingual, to open, close and changetreatment stage (Active vs. Passive), respectively.

The bracket may include three components such as a body, base and clip.For illustration purposes, a rectangular/square arch wire sits in theslot of body. Please note that the slot is capable of accommodatinground wires as well. As shown in the figures, the labial free end 692 iof the clip may designed to have a “post” (e.g., a T-shaped free end)like feature that when closed first sits in a passive clip retainingchannel (e.g., longitudinally positioned spaced apart labial openings).At this position (FIG. 27F) there may be substantially or completely nocontact between the clip and the arch wire, which is the passive stageof orthodontic treatment.

Typically, as treatment progresses, the clip may needs to be changedfrom the passive stage (no contact between the clip and the arch wire,FIG. 27F) to the active stage (Interference contact between the clip andthe arch wire, FIG. 27G) where the post feature sits in the active clipretaining channel (e.g., longitudinally spaced apart lingual openingsbeing generally positioned below the passive retaining channels). Themechanism to change the clip (FIG. 271) from the Passive stage to theActive stage may be to simply apply a force and push down on the labialfree end portion of the clip (shown in the arrow in FIG. 27D), to theactive clip resting channel. As shown in FIG. 27F, the labial free endportion of the clip may be position in a mesial-distal resting groove1042 while in the open position. The number of clip retaining channelsmay be reduced or increased if needed, and the channel positions (withrespect to bottom of the archwire slot) can be altered if necessary too.

In this specific embodiment, the retaining member 627 may includes afirst pair of stops 644 i and a second pair of stops 646 i on theocclusal side of the gingival tie wings 616 i to inhibit inadvertentmovement of the locking clip 626 i from a closed position (e.g., anactive first closed position in stops 644 or a second closed position instops 646 i) to an open position and optionally to maintain the lockingclip 626 i open when it is pivoted to the open position. Each stopdefining a first opening, at least one guide portion, and at least oneflange. The first pair of stops 644 i extend generally outward from therespective gingival tie wings 616 i and include a first opening 664 i, afirst guide portion 674 i, and a first flange 668 i for engagement withthe locking clip 626 i to maintain the first closed position (e.g.,active bracket for active first closed position). Similarly, the secondpair of stops 646 i extend generally outward from the respectivegingival tie wings 616 and include a second opening 666, a guide portion675 i, and a second flange 669 i for engagement with the locking clip626 i to maintain the second closed position (e.g., passive bracket forpassive second closed position). It is appreciated that the first andsecond pairs of stops 644 i and 646 i may positioned so that one stop ofeach pair of stops 644 i and 646 i is gingivally-occlusally juxtaposedto the respective other stop of each pair of stops 644 i and 646 i.Desirably, the pairs of stops on each gingival tie may define agenerally W-shaped configuration.

The locking clip 626 i slides on the occlusal tie wings 618 i and ismoveable between two closed positions (FIGS. 27D-27E) where access tothe archwire slot 620 i is inhibited and an open position (FIG. 27F)where access to the archwire slot 620 i is permitted. It is appreciatedthat the locking clip 626 i is in the form of spring element having agenerally U-shaped head configuration. More particularly, the lockingclip 626 may include a head portion 628 i, with a pair of opposing sidearms 650 i and 652 i, which define an opening T-Shape configuration. Itis appreciated that the head portion 628 i and/or the side arms 650 iand 652 i are configured to extend across the archwire slot 620 i.

The arms 650 i and 652 i may include free ends extending generallymesially and distally outward, though not required. The arms 650 i and652 i may be received in the respective first openings 664 i or therespective second openings 666 i, which are formed in occlusal side ofthe gingival tie wings 616 i.

To close the orthodontic bracket 610 i in the first closed position(Active closed position), the locking clip 626 is slide gingivallytowards the first pair of stops 644 i (e.g., lingual first pair ofstops) of the locking mechanism 627 i about the gingival tie wings 616i. The arms 650 i and 652 i make contact with and are gingivally guidedalong the respective labial surface of the first guide portions 674 i.The arms 650 i and 652 i are continually guided along the labialsurfaces of the first guide portions 674 i until the hook ends 672 iextend beyond the flanges 668 i of the first pair of stops 644 i. Thisallows the locking clip 626 i to snap back towards its non-stressedstate so that the arms 650 i and 652 i engage the respective flanges 668i thereby maintaining the locking clip 626 i in the first closedposition. In doing so, the locking clip 626 i is deflected lingually sothat contact between the locking clip, the archwire, and the archwireslot may be substantially or completely maintained while in the firstclosed position (FIG. 27E).

To close the orthodontic bracket 610 i in the second closed position,the locking clip 626 is slid towards the second pair of stops 646 i ofthe locking mechanism 627 i about the occlusal side of the gingival tiewings 616 i. The arms 650 i and 652 i make contact with and aregingivally guided along the respective labial surface of the secondguide portions 675 i. The arms 650 i and 652 i are continually guidedalong the labial surfaces of the second guide portions 675 i until thehook ends 672 i extend beyond (e.g., gingivally-lingually) the firstflanges 669 i of the second pair of stops 646 i. This allows the lockingclip 626 i to snap back towards its non-stressed state so that the hookends 672 i engage the respective second flanges 669 i therebymaintaining the locking clip 626 i in the second closed position. Indoing so, the locking clip 626 i may be slightly deflected lingually sothat minimal or no contact between the locking clip 626 i and thearchwire may be maintained while in the second closed position (FIG.27D).

As discussed above with reference to FIGS. 27A-27G, different slotlocations may provide different clip status. For example, a labiallypositioned slot(s) and/or opening(s) may provide for a Passive stageclosed position (e.g., FIG. 27D-generally no contact between arch wireand clip) or a lingually positioned slot(s) may provide for an Activestage closed position (e.g., FIG. 27E-contact and interference betweenarchwire and clip). It is appreciated that the ratchet(s) and/or slot(s)may be positioned such that an expressive stage closed position mayresult where minimal contact occurs between arch wire and clip.

Referring now to FIGS. 28A-28B, a self-ligating orthodontic bracket isshown and is generally indicated to by reference numeral 10. As can beseen, orthodontic bracket 10 includes a body 12 and a lingual mountingbase 14 attached to the body. The mounting base 14 has a lingual surfaceto be attached to a tooth. The body 12 may include a side wall 15extending between the base 14 and a labial surface 19 to define agenerally curved-shaped perimeter. Desirably, the perimeter of the body12 defines a circular, oval, or otherwise shaped member. However, it isappreciated that the body 12 may be defined by various other shapedconfigurations such as a square-shaped, a rectangular-shaped arhomboid-shaped, or otherwise shaped member. When provided, it isbelieved that the curved-shaped (e.g., oval-shaped) body 12 may reducedental calculus or otherwise buildup about the perimeter of the body 12and/or allow for easier removal thereof.

A pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings 16 and a pair of laterallyspaced occlusal tie wings 18 extend from the labial surface 19 of thebody 12. The gingival tie wings 16 and the occlusal tie wings 18generally curve lingually. An interwing region 24 extendsgingivally-occlusally across the body 12 and may be generally defined bythe lateral spacing of the gingival tie wings 16 and the lateral spacingof the occlusal tie wing 18. The interwing region 24 may be an opened(e.g., unobstructed) passageway or may be a closed (partially orcompletely obstructed) passageway, or otherwise. An archwire slot 20extends mesially-distally across the body 12 and between the gingivaland occlusal tie wings 16 and 18. The archwire slot 20 opens labially toreceive an archwire 22. The archwire slot 20 is interrupted in theinterwing region 24 of the body.

It is appreciated that the body 12 may also include an interior slot forreceiving an optional auxiliary wire. Desirably, the body 12 may includeat least one interior vertical slot 25 that extendsocclusally-gingivally (e.g., generally parallel to the interwing region24) through the body 12, though not required.

The bracket 10 may further include a locking mechanism that includes alocking clip 26 and a retaining member 27 for maintaining the lockingclip 26 in the closed position. In one embodiment, the retaining member27 may include stops 44 and 46 on the gingival tie wings 16 to inhibitinadvertent movement of the locking clip 26 from a closed position to anopen position and to maintain the locking clip 26 open when it ispivoted to the open position. The stops 44 and 46 extend generallytowards one another from the respective gingival tie wings 16 so as todefine a reduced opening 48 in the interwing area 24. Desirably, thestops 44 and 46 may form a circular (e.g., semi-circular) shapeextending from the respective mesial and distal surfaces of the gingivaltie wings 16 in the interwing are 24. However, it is appreciated thatthe stops 44 and 46 may form other shapes that include curved, arcuate,angled, flat, or otherwise portions.

The locking clip 26 is pivotally mounted on the occlusal tie wings 18and is moveable between a closed position where access to the archwireslot 20 is inhibited by stops 44 and 46 and an open position whereaccess to the archwire slot 20 is permitted. It is appreciated that thelocking clip 26 is in the form of spring element having a generallycruciform outline. In one embodiment, the locking clip 26 may include agingival head 28, which curves lingually to define a forwardly (e.g.,gingivally) projecting hook 72. The head 28 may include interconnectedopposing side portions 30, which define a width (e.g., mesial-distally)that is typically larger than width of the reduced opening 48.

The locking clip 26 may also include a pair of oppositely directed arms50 and 52 (e.g., mesially and distally extending arm portions) whichextend generally along and across the archwire slot 20. It isappreciated, that the arms 50 and 52 may at least partially orsubstantially extend in a parallel manner with the archwire slot 20.Each arm 50 and 52 may form a generally U-shaped configuration having agingival portion extending to an occlusal portion with an end portion58, therebetween to define an opening 60 therebetween. It is appreciatedthat the end portion 58 can extend as wide as necessary in both themesial and distal direction to achieve optimum rotational control of thearchwire.

When included, the gingival and occlusal portions of the arms 50 and 52may be configured to desirably achieve direct translation of forces fromthe locking clip 26 to the archwire 22 along a Facial Axis FA (e.g.,generally perpendicularly to the archwire slot 20). As can be seen inFIG. 28D, both gingival and occlusal portions (e.g. corners 86 and 87)of the archwire 22 may be engaged by the arms 50 and 52 (e.g., gingivaland occlusal portions of the arms 50 and 52) in the closed position soas to directly translate the forces from the archwire 22 to the FA pointon the tooth so as to optimize treatment time of the patient.

The locking clip 26 may also include opposed free ends (e.g., extendinggenerally mesial and distal, though not required) that are out-turned todefine oppositely directed spaced apart tail ends 32 and 34respectively. Each of the tail ends 32 and 34 is received in arespective bore 36 and 38 formed in one of the occlusal tie wings 18.The bores 36 and 38 may extend (e.g., mesial-distally) completelythrough the respective tie wings 18 or partially therethrough. The tailends 32 and 34 may include a flange portion 40 and 42 extending (e.g.,radially) from the clip 26. The flange portion 40 and 42 may beconfigured to act as a stop for the tail ends 32 and 34 when inserted inthe respective bores 36 and 38. Desirably, the flange portions 40 and 42may prevent the tail ends 32 and 34 from extending beyond apredetermined depth into and/or beyond the bores 36 and 38.

It is further contemplated that the locking clip 26 may be in acompressed state such that the tail ends 32 and 34 exert a generallycontinual outward force on the respective tie wings 16 (mesially formesially-gingival tie wing 16 and distally for the distally-gingival tiewing 16) thereby maintaining the tail ends 32 and 34 within therespective bores 36 and 38. In doing so, the tails 32 and 34 aregenerally free to rotate within the respective bores 36 and 38 to permitpivotal movement of the locking clip 26 between the opened and closedpositions.

In another embodiment, the stops 44 and 46 may form multiple stopportions (e.g., semi-circular portions) (not shown), each set of stopportions extending from the respective inner surface of the gingivalties wings 16 (e.g., into the interwing region 24). For example, themultiple stop portions may include a pair of labially-lingually spacedapart stops along the inner surface of each of the gingival tie wings16. When included, the pairs of opposing pairs of stops may beconfigured to allow the locking clip 26 movable between an open positionand two different closed positions. More particularly, a first pair ofopposing labial stops may include a labial-mesial stop and alabial-distal stop while the second pair of opposing lingual stops mayinclude a lingual-mesial stop and a lingual-distal stop, with the firstpair of opposing labial stops being labially spaced from the second pairof opposing lingual stops. In the first closed position, the hook 72 maybe positioned below the second pair of opposing lingual sops and thelabial surface 19 of the body 12 in the gingival interwing area 24 todefine an active first closed position. In the second closed position,the hook 72 may be positioned below between the first pair of opposinglabial stops and the second pair of opposing lingual stops in thegingival interwing area to define a second closed position.

The locking clip 26 is generally configured to withstand typical forcesincurred by the bracket while substantially maintaining the locking clip26 in the closed position. Typical forces may include, but are notlimited to forces resulting from the movement of the archwire, the clip,and/or the bracket relative to one another or otherwise such as movementcaused by brushing your teeth and/or eating food. However, it isappreciated that the clip 26 may also be configured to allow deformationthereof resulting from a sufficient amount of force, which is generallygreater than the typical forces described above. For example, as thedentist urges the head 28 against the stops 44 and 46 with a sufficientamount of force, the opposing side portions 30 deform towards oneanother so as to reduce the width of the head 28 thereby allowing thehead 28 to pass through the reduce opening 48 while moving the lockingclip between the open position and the closed position. After passingthrough the reduced opening 48, the head 28 generally returns to itstypical non-deformed shape (e.g., non-stressed state).

The stops 44 and 46 contact a labial surface of the locking clip 26about the hook portion 72 when the locking clip 26 is in a closedposition to inhibit the locking clip from accidentally opening duringapplication in the patient's mouth.

As can be seen in FIG. 28A, the stops 44 and 46 retain the locking clip26 against the archwire 22 and inhibit relative movement between thearchwire 22 and the body 12 of the orthodontic bracket 10. To releasethe archwire 22, the locking clip 26 is pivoted about the tails 32 and34 while applying a sufficient amount of force against the stops 44 and46. As a sufficient amount of force is being applied to the head 28during engagement of the stops 44 and 46, the width of the head 28 isreduced thereby allowing it to pass through the reduced opening 48.

In another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 28C-28D, a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket 110 is provided. The bracket 110 may comprise alocking mechanism including the locking clip 126 and an alternateretaining member 127. In this embodiment, the retaining member 127 is inthe form of a first member 121 and a second member 123 with a reducedopening 148 therebetween. The first and second members 121, 123 mayextend labially from the labial surface 119 of the body 112 in anocclusally-gingivally relationship relative to one another about thegingival interwing area 124.

At least one stop similar to that of the previous embodiment may beprovided on one of the first and second members 121, 123 to inhibitinadvertent movement of the locking clip 126 from a closed position toan open position and to maintain the locking clip 126 open when thelocking clip 126 is pivoted to the open condition. The stop may beincluded in various shapes and/or configurations such that they providea reduced opening 148 between the first and second members 121, 123. Inone specific example, the second member 123 (e.g., occlusally positionedrelative to the first member 121) may include a stop 144 that extendsfrom a gingival surface of the second member 123 at a free end 128. Thestop 144 may be generally similar in shape to the stop 44 as discussedabove including curved portions to help guide the head 128 of the clip126 between open and closed positions. The first member 121 (gingivallypositioned relative to the second member 123) may include a stop 146that extends from occlusal surface of the first member 121 at a free end130. The stop 146 may be generally shaped as a ramp portion thatgradually increases thickness (e.g., taper) as it extends towards a flatportion at the free end 130 to help guide hook portion 172 of the head28 of the clip 126 between open and closed positions. The stops 144 and146 generally oppose one another to form the reduced opening 148therebetween. Desirably, in a non-stressed state, the reduced opening148 may be dimensioned (occlusally-gingivally) with a maximum spacingthat is less than the thickness of the head 128 to substantially preventmovement of the clip 126 between the open position and the closedposition. It is appreciated that non-stressed state herein may bedefined as (in non-stressed state such as in the open or closedpositions of the bracket 110 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7).

It is appreciated that at least one or both of the first and secondmembers 121, 123 may be configured to deform away from the other toallow movement of the clip 126 between open and closed positions.Deformation of the first member 121 and/or the second members 123 mayoccur upon contact by the clip 126 (e.g., head 128) with a sufficientforce (e.g., by the dentist). For example, as the dentist urges the head128 against the stops 144 and 146 with a sufficient amount of force, atleast one (e.g., or both) of the first and second members 121, 123deform towards the another so as to increase the spacing of the reducedopening 148 between the stops 144, 146 thereby allowing the hook portion172 of the head 128 to pass through the widened reduced opening 148while moving the locking clip 126 between the open position and theclosed position. After passing through the reduced opening 148, thefirst member 121 and the second member 123 generally return to theirtypical non-deformed shape (e.g., non-stressed state) while returningthe reduced opening 148 to it maximum spacing thereby maintaining theclip 28 in the open or closed positions. It is further appreciated thatthe hook portion 172 (or other portion(s) of the head 128) may deflect,deform, and/or compress to pass thorough the reduced opening 148, thoughnot required.

More particularly, to close the orthodontic bracket 110, the lockingclip 126 is pivoted about the tails 132 and 134. As the locking clip ispivoted, the head 128 of the clip 126 is pushed into the gingivalportion of the interwing region 124 against the stops 144, 146. Thereaction force applied to the stops 144, 146 by the head 128 of thelocking clip 126 causes the at least one of the first and second members121, 123 to move occlusally-gingivally in a direction away from oneanother. When the locking clip 126 is pivoted beyond the stops 144 and146, the first member 121 and/or the second member 123 snaps back intoits non-stressed state (e.g., generally upright and/or perpendicularfrom the labial surface 119) and the head 126 is biased towards thelabial surface 119 to its closed position below the stops 144 and 146.The stops 144 and 146 in this condition inhibit the locking clip 126from moving back towards the open position. In this way, the archwireslot 120 remains closed securing the archwire 122 in the archwire slot.

Referring now to FIG. 28E, yet another embodiment of a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket 210 is shown. The bracket 210 may comprise a body212, a base 214, and a locking mechanism including the locking clip 226and a retaining member 227. The body 212 may include gingival tie wings216 and occlusal tie wings 218 with a mesially-distally extendingarchwire slot 220 therebetween. In this specific example, the body 212has a rectangular-shaped body and includes a first bridge portion 260 inthe interwing region 224, which spans between the gingival tie wings216. The first bridge portion 260 extends from labial surface of thearchwire slot 220 to the labial surface the gingival tie wings. The body212 may also include a second bridge portion 261 in the interwing region224, which spans between the occlusal tie wings 218. It is appreciatedthat the second bridge portion 261 extends partially from the labialsurface of the archwire slot 220 to allow for rotation of the lockingclip 226. The body 212 may also include an interior slot for receivingan optional auxiliary wire, though not required. In one specificembodiment, the body 212 may include an interior vertical slot 225 thatextends occlusally-gingivally (e.g., generally transverse to thearchwire slot 220) through the body 212.

The locking clip 226 may be in the form of a generally U-Shaped springelement having out-turned free mesial and distal ends defining laterallyspaced tails 232 and 234. Each of the tails is pivotally received withina respective bore 236 and 238 formed in the respective one of theocclusal tie wings 218.

The retaining member 227 is provided in the first bridge portion 260 andmay include sets of opposing stops 244 and 246 similar to that of thefirst embodiment, which may be provided on the bridge 260 to maintainthe locking clip 226 within recesses 262 in the closed position.

More particularly, to close the orthodontic bracket 210, the lockingclip 226 is pivoted about the tails 232 and 234. As the locking clip 226is pivoted, the clip arms 250 and 252 of the head portion 228 are pushedinto the bridge portion 260 against the respective pairs of opposingstops 244 and 246. The reaction force applied to the sets of opposingstops 244 and 246 by the clip arms 250 and 252 causes the clips arms 250and 252 and/or the opposing stops 244 and 246 to deform thereby allowingthe clip arms 250 and 252 to pass through reduced openings 248 betweenthe open and closed positions. When the clip head 228 is pivoted beyondthe sets of opposing stops 244 and 246, the clip arms 250 and 252, theopposing stops 244 and 246, or a combination of both snap back intotheir non-stressed state and the head 226 is biased towards the labialsurface 219 about the recesses 262 to its closed position below therespective sets of opposing stops 244 and 246. The sets of opposingstops 244 and 246 in this condition (e.g., non-stressed state) inhibitthe locking clip 226 from moving back towards the open position. In thisway, the archwire slot 220 remains closed thereby securing the archwire(not shown) in the archwire slot 220.

Referring now to FIGS. 28F-28G, another embodiment of a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by referencenumeral 310. In this embodiment, the bracket 310 may comprise an ovalbody 312, a base 314, and a locking mechanism including a locking clip326 and a retaining member 327. The body 312 may include gingival tiewings 316 and occlusal tie wings 318 with a mesially-distally extendingarchwire slot 320 therebetween. A first bridge portion 360 and a secondbridge portion 361 may be in the interwing region 324, with the firstbridge portion 360 spanning between the gingival tie wings 316 and thesecond bridge portion 361 spanning between the occlusal tie wings 318.It is appreciated that the first bridge portion 360 and/or the secondbridge portion 361 may extend partially or entirely from the labialsurface of the archwire slot to labial surface of the respective tiewings 316 and 318. In one specific example, the first and second bridgeportions 360 and 362 extend from labial surface of the archwire slot upto the labial surfaces of the respective tie wings 316 and 318.

The body 312 may also include an interior slot for receiving an optionalauxiliary wire, though not required. For example, the body 312 mayinclude an interior vertical slot 325 that extends occlusally-gingivally(e.g., generally transverse to the archwire slot 320) through the body312.

The locking clip 326 may be in the form of a generally U-Shaped springelement having a mesially-distally extending gingival head portion 328,a pair of oppositely directed arm portions 350 and 352, and in-turnedfree mesial and distal ends defining laterally spaced tails 332 and 334extending respectively from arms 350 and 352 and free ends 358,therebetween. Each of the tails 332 and 334 is pivotally received withina respective bore 336 and 338 formed in the respective one of theocclusal tie wings 318. More particularly, the tails 332 and 334 arereceived within the respective bore 336 and 338 along the outer surfaceof the respective occlusal tie wing (e.g., the mesial side of themesial-occlusal tie wing and the distal side of the distal-occlusaltie-wing 318). In this specific embodiment, the locking clip 326 mayinclude a biasing member 370, which extends lingually from the headportion 328 to define a forwardly projecting labial hook 372 and alingual guide portion 374.

The retaining member 327 may be provided in the first bridge portion 360and desirably includes a first opening 364 in the labial face of thefirst bridge portion 360 and a second opening 366 in the gingival faceof the first bridge portion 360. Desirably, the first opening 364 andthe second opening 366 define a throughhole 362 therebetween forreceiving the biasing member 370 to maintain the locking clip 326 in theclosed position.

The second opening 366 on the gingival surface of the bridge portion 360includes a lingual flange 368, which engages the labial hook 372 whenthe locking clip 326 is in the closed position. The engagement betweenthe flange 368 and the labial hook 372 maintains the locking clip in theclosed position while retaining the locking clip 326 against thearchwire thereby inhibiting relative movement between the archwire andthe body 312 of the orthodontic bracket 310. To close the orthodonticbracket 310, the locking clip 326 is pivoted about the tails 332 and 334towards the first bridge portion 360. As the lingual guide 374 contactsthe gingival edge 376 of the first opening 364, the biasing memberdeflects (e.g., biases) occlusally thereby allowing the lingual guide374 into the throughhole 362.

Desirably, the lingual guide 374 is provided at the free end of thebiasing member 370 and includes a portion that is configured to directthe biasing member 370 into the first opening 360 and into thethroughhole 362. It is appreciated that the guide portion may be curved,arcuate, angled, flat, or otherwise shaped to aid in directing thebiasing member 370 into the closed position.

The reaction force applied to the gingival edge 376 of the first opening364 by the lingual guide 374 causes the biasing member 370 to deflect(e.g., occlusally) thereby allowing the labial hook 372 to pass throughthe first opening 364 and into the throughhole 362 between the open andclosed positions. When the hook portion 372 is pivoted lingually beyondthe flange 368 in the throughhole 362, the biasing member 370 snaps backtowards its non-stressed state and the lingual hook 372 engages theflange 368 of the throughhole 362 to its closed position. The biasingmember 370 in this condition (e.g., non-stressed state) inhibits thelocking clip 326 from moving back towards the open position. In thisway, the archwire slot 320 remains closed thereby securing the archwirein the archwire slot.

At least one labial face of the gingival tie wings 316 and the bridgeportion 360 may include a groove 380 having a shape complementary forreceiving a portion of the locking clip 326 (e.g., head portion 328)while in the closed position. It is contemplated that the groove 380 maybe configured with an angled or curved portion to aid in guiding thelingual guide 374 of the biasing member 370 into the first opening 364.Desirably, the labial faces of the gingival tie wings 316 (along thearchwire slot) and the bridge portion 360 extending therebetween includethe groove 380 having a generally semi-circular cross-section.

To release the archwire, the lingual guide 374 is moved (e.g., pushed)generally occlusally through the second opening 366 and into thethroughhole 362 so that the hook portion 372 moves occlusally beyond theflange 368 thereby disengaging the hook 374 from the flange 368.Thereafter, the biasing member 370 may be removed from the retainingmember 327 through the first opening 364 and the locking clip 326 isfree to pivot about the tails 332 and 334.

Referring now to FIGS. 28H-28I, another embodiment of a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by referencenumeral 410. In this embodiment, the bracket 410 may comprise arectangular body 412, a base 414, and a locking mechanism including alocking clip 426 and a retaining member 427. The body 412 may includegingival tie wings 416 and occlusal tie wings 418 with amesially-distally extending archwire slot 420 therebetween. A firstbridge portion 460 and a second bridge portion 461 is provided in theinterwing region 424, with the first bridge portion 460 spanning betweenthe gingival tie wings 416 and the second bridge portion 461 spanningbetween the occlusal tie wings 418. More particularly, the first bridgeportion 460 extends from labial surface of the archwire slot up to thelabial surface of the gingival tie wings 416 while the second bridgeportion 461 extends only partially to the labial surface of the occlusaltie wings 418.

The body 412 may further include an interior vertical slot 425 thatextends occlusally-gingivally (e.g., generally transverse to thearchwire slot 420) through the body 412.

The locking clip 426 may be in the form of a generally U-Shaped springelement having a mesially-distally extending gingival head portion 428,a pair of oppositely directed arm ends 458 and in-turned free mesial anddistal ends defining laterally spaced tails 432 and 434 extendingrespectively from arms 450 and 452. Each of the tails is pivotallyreceived within a respective bore 436 and 438 formed in the respectiveone of the occlusal tie wings 418. More particularly, the tails 432 and434 are received within the respective bore 436 and 438 along the outersurface of the respective occlusal tie wing (e.g., the mesial side ofthe mesial-occlusal tie wing 418 and the distal side of thedistal-occlusal tie-wing 418). In this embodiment, the locking clip 426may include a pair of spacedly disposed biasing members 470 a and 470 b,which extend lingually from the head portion 428 to define respectivemesially and distally projecting labial hooks 472 a and 472 b andrespective lingual guide portions 474 a and 474 b.

The retaining member 427 is provided about the gingival tie wings 416.More particularly, each gingival tie wing 416 outwardly extends from thegingival surface of the body 412 to define a flange 468 which engagesthe respective labial hooks 472 a and 472 b when the locking clip 426 isin the closed position. The engagement between the flanges 468 and thelabial hook 472 a, 472 b maintains the locking clip 426 in the closedposition thereby retaining the locking clip 426 against the archwire soas to inhibit relative movement between the archwire and the body 412 ofthe orthodontic bracket 410.

To close the orthodontic bracket 410, the locking clip 426 is pivotedabout the tails 432 and 434 towards the locking mechanism 427 about thegingival tie wings 416. The lingual guides 474 a and 474 b contact thelabial surfaces of the respective gingival tie wings 416 so that thecurved free ends 482 of the lingual guides 474 a and 474 b are guidedinward along the respective inner surfaces of the gingival tie wings416. In doing so, the biasing members 470 a, 470 b are deflected towardsone another so that they can be positioned into the interwing region 424between the gingival tie wings 416 as the locking clip 426 is pivotedtowards the closed position. The lingual guides 474 a and 474 b continueto be guided along the inner surfaces of the gingival tie wings 416until the labial hooks 472 a and 472 b are positioned below the flanges468 of the locking mechanisms 427 a and 427 b. This allows the biasingmembers 470 a and 470 b to snap back into their non-stressed state sothat the labial hooks 472 a and 472 b engage the flanges 468 therebymaintaining the locking clip 426 in the closed position.

More particularly, the reaction force applied to the labial and innersurfaces of the gingival tie wings 416 by the lingual guides 474 a and474 b cause the biasing members 470 a and 470 b to deflect (e.g.,mesially or distally inward) thereby allowing the labial hooks 472 a and472 b to pass into the reduced opening 448 of the interwing region 424between the open and closed positions. When the lingual guides 474 a and474 b are pivoted lingually beyond the flanges 468, the biasing members470 a and 470 b snap back towards their non-stressed state and thelingual hooks 472 a and 472 b engage the flanges 468 of the retainingmembers 427 a and 427 b to its closed position. The biasing members 470a and 470 b in this condition inhibit the locking clip 426 from movingback towards the open position. In this way, the archwire slot 420remains closed thereby securing the archwire in the archwire slot.

To release the archwire, the biasing members 470 a and 470 b (e.g., thelingual guide portions 474 a and 474 b) are pushed generally towards oneanother (e.g., mesially-distally) to disengage each labial hook 472 aand 472 b from the respective flange 468. Thereafter, the biasingmembers 470 a and 470 b may be removed (e.g., labially) from flanges 468of the retaining member 427 so that the locking clip 426 is free topivot about the tails 432 and 434.

In this specific embodiment, the head 428 of the locking clip 426 extendgingivally beyond the first bridge portion 460. The labial surface ofthe gingival tie wings 416 may include a groove 480 having a shapecomplementary for receiving a portion of the locking clip 426 (e.g.,head portion 428) while in the closed position. It is contemplated thatthe groove 480 may be configured with an angled or curved portion to aidin maintaining the locking clip 426 in the closed position. Desirably,the labial faces of the gingival tie wings 316 include the groove 480having a generally semi-circular cross-section, which may becomplementary to the locking clip 426.

Referring now to FIGS. 28J-28K, another embodiment of a self-ligatingorthodontic bracket is shown and is generally indicated to by referencenumeral 510. The bracket 510 may comprise a body 512, a base 514, and alocking mechanism including a locking clip 526 and a retaining member527. The body 512 may include gingival tie wings 516 and occlusal tiewings 518 with a mesially-distally extending archwire slot 520therebetween. A first bridge portion 560 and a second bridge portion 561is provided in the interwing region 524, with the first bridge portion560 spanning between the gingival tie wings 516 and the second bridgeportion 561 spanning between the occlusal tie wings 518. It isappreciated that the first and second bridge portions 560 and 561 mayextend from labial surface of the archwire slot up to the labialsurfaces of the respective tie wings 516 and 518 thereby defining aportion of the gingival and occlusal walls of the archwire slot betweenthe respective gingival and occlusal tie-wings.

In this embodiment, the locking clip 526 is in the form of springelement having a generally cruciform outline. The locking clip 526 mayinclude a gingival head 528 having a lingually-gingivally projectinghook 572 and a curved lingual guides 574. The head 528 may beinterconnected with a pair of oppositely directed arms 550 and 552(e.g., mesially and distally extending arm portions) which extend acrossthe archwire slot 520 to arm free ends 558. It is appreciated, that thearms 550 and 552 may at least partially or substantially extend in aparallel manner with the archwire slot 520. Each arm 550 and 552 mayform a generally U-shaped configuration having a gingival portionextending to an occlusal portion with the arm free end 558 therebetween.

The locking clip 526 may also include opposed free ends (e.g., extendinggenerally mesial and distal, though not required) that are out-turned todefine oppositely directed spaced apart tail ends 532 and 534respectively. Each of the tail ends 532 and 534 is received in arespective bore 536 and 538 formed in one of the occlusal tie wings 518at an occlusal opening 596 in a lingual portion of the body 512.

The retaining member 527 includes a mesially-distally directed labialmember 590 that extends between the gingival tie wings 516 in agenerally parallel relationship to the first bridge portion 560 todefine a first opening 564. The labial member 590 includes a lingualflange 568 that engages the hook 572 when the locking clip 426 is in theclosed position. The engagement between the flange 568 and the hook 572maintains the locking clip 526 in the closed position so that thelocking clip 526 is retained against the archwire thereby inhibitingrelative movement between the archwire and the body 512 of theorthodontic bracket 510.

To close the orthodontic bracket 510, the locking clip 526 is pivotedabout the tails 532 and 534 towards the locking mechanism 527 (e.g.,labial member 590) about the gingival tie wings 516. The lingual guide574 contacts the labial-occlusal surfaces of the labial member 590 sothat the hook 572 is guided occlusally along the occlusal inner surfaceof the labial member 590. In doing so, the head 528 is deflectedocclusally towards the first bridge portion 560 so that the head 528 canbe positioned into the first opening 564 between the gingival tie wings516 as the locking clip 526 is pivoted towards the closed position. Thelingual, guide 574 is continually guided along the occlusal innersurface of the labial member 590 until the free end 584 of the hook 572is positioned below the flange 468 of the labial member 590. This allowsthe biasing member 570 to snap back towards its non-stressed state sothat the hook 572 engage the flange 568 thereby maintaining the lockingclip 526 in the closed position.

More particularly, the reaction force applied to the occlusal-innersurface of the labial member 590 by the lingual guide 574 causes thehead 528 to deflect (e.g., occlusally) thereby allowing the hook 572 topass into the first opening 564 between the open and closed positions.When the lingual guide 574 is pivoted (lingually-gingivally) beyond theflange 568, the locking clip 526 snaps back towards its non-stressedstate so that the hook 572 to engage the flanges 468 thereby preventingremoval of the hook 572 from the flange 568 and the first opening 564during its closed position. The head 528 in this condition inhibits thelocking clip 526 from moving back towards the open position. In thisway, the archwire slot 520 remains closed thereby securing the archwirein the archwire slot.

To release the archwire, the head 528 (e.g., the hook 572) is pushedlingually and occlusally to disengage the hook 572 from the labialmember 590. Thereafter, the biasing members 570 may be removed fromlabial member 590 and the first opening 564 so that the locking clip 526is free to pivot about the tails 532 and 534.

Optionally, the locking clip 26 may further include a cover portion 90as shown in FIG. 29A. The cover portion 90 defines a generally ovalshape and may include a labial surface 92 that extends generally thelength and width of the archwire slot when included. The cover portion90 may also include an attachment member 94 for connecting to thelocking clip 26. It is appreciated that the attachment member 94 ispositioned about the lingual surface 96 of the cover portion 90 and hasa size and shape complementary to the clip opening 60. When included,the attachment member 94 engages the clip opening 60 of the locking clip26 so that it is removable affixed thereto. While in the closedposition, it is appreciated that the cover portion 90 substantially orentirely cover the archwire slot having the archwire therein so as toprovide a more aesthetic look to the bracket. Furthermore, it isappreciated that the cover portion 90 may aid in preventing food and/orplague buildup in the bracket 10. As shown in the drawing the coverportion 90 may be a separate component of the locking clip 26, howeverit is appreciated that the cover portion 90 and the locking clip 26 maybe an integral piece.

Optionally, the locking clip 326 may further include a cover portion 390a as shown in FIG. 29B. The cover portion 390 a may define a generallyflat and/or curved portion having an oval and/or rectangular shape andmay include a labial surface 392 a that extends generally the length andwidth of the archwire slot when included. The cover portion 390 a mayalso include a plurality of attachment members 394 a (e.g., deformableattachment members) for connecting to the locking clip 326. It isappreciated that the attachment members 394 a may be positioned aboutthe lingual surface 396 a of the cover portion 390 a at the respectivecorners thereof and may have a size and shape complementary to thethickness of the locking clip 326. When included, the attachment members394 a engage multiple portions of the locking clip 326 so that the coverportion 390 a is removable affixed thereto. While in the closedposition, it is appreciated that the cover portion 390 a maysubstantially or entirely cover the archwire slot having the archwiretherein so as to provide a more aesthetic look to the bracket.Furthermore, it is appreciated that the cover portion 390 a may aid inpreventing food and/or plague buildup in the bracket 310. As shown inthe drawings, the cover portion 390 a may be a separate component of thelocking clip 326; however it is appreciated that the cover portion 390 aand the locking clip 326 may be an integral piece.

Optionally, the locking clip 326 b may further include a cover portion390 b as shown in FIG. 29C. The cover portion 390 b may define agenerally oval and/or rectangular shape and may include a labial surface392 b that extends generally the length and width of the archwire slotwhen included. The cover portion 390 b may also include a firstattachment member 394 b and a second attachment member 395 b (e.g.,deformable attachment members) for connecting to the locking clip 326 b.It is appreciated that the attachment member 394 b may be positionedabout the gingival free end 398 b of the cover portion 390 b and mayinclude a tubular shape having a mesial-distal opening 399 b along itsentire length for receive the locking clip 326 b. The attachment member394 b has a size and shape complementary to the thickness of the lockingclip 326 b. In this embodiment, the biasing member 370 (having a guideportion 374 b and a hook portion 372 b for engaging the retainingmember) has been removed from the clip 326 so that the cover portion 390b further includes a biasing member 370 b for engaging the flange 368 inthe closed position. When included, the attachment members 394 b (beingdeformable) snaps over the gingival portion of the locking clip 326 b(the attachment member being generally tubular with a longitudinalopening for receiving a portion of the locking clip) so that the coverportion 390 b is removable affixed thereto. While in the closedposition, it is appreciated that the cover portion 390 b maysubstantially or entirely cover the archwire slot having the archwiretherein so as to provide a more aesthetic look to the bracket.Furthermore, it is appreciated that the cover portion 390 b may aid inpreventing food and/or plague buildup in the bracket 310. As shown inthe drawings, the cover portion 390 b may be a separate component of thelocking clip 326 b; however it is appreciated that the cover portion 390b and the locking clip 326 b may be an integral piece.

FIGS. 30A-30D are various views of another alternate embodiment of theself-ligating bracket shown in FIG. 28E in which the bracket 210 a maycomprise a body 212 a, a base 214 a, and a locking mechanism includingthe locking clip 226 a and a retaining member 227 a. The body 212 a mayinclude gingival tie wings 216 a and occlusal tie wings 218 a with amesially-distally extending archwire slot 220 a therebetween. In thisspecific example, the body 212 a has a rectangular-shaped body andincludes a first bridge portion 260 a in the interwing region 224 a,which spans between the gingival tie wings 216 a. The first bridgeportion 260 a extends from labial surface of the archwire slot 220 a tothe labial surface the gingival tie wings. The body 212 a may alsoinclude a second bridge portion 261 a in the interwing region 224 a,which spans between the occlusal tie wings 218 a. It is appreciated thatthe second bridge portion 261 a extends partially from the labialsurface of the archwire slot 220 a to allow for rotation of the lockingclip 226 a.

The locking clip 226 a may be in the form of a generally cross-shapedspring element having out-turned free mesial and distal ends defininglaterally spaced tails 232 a and 234 a. Each of the tails is pivotallyreceived within a respective bore 236 a and 238 a formed in therespective one of the occlusal tie wings 218 a.

The retaining member 227 a is provided in the first bridge portion 260 aand may include sets of opposing stops 244 a and 246 a. Moreparticularly, to close the orthodontic bracket 210 a, the locking clip226 a may be pivoted about the tails 232 a and 234 a. As the lockingclip 226 a is pivoted, the clip arms 250 a and 252 a of the head portion228 a are pushed into the bridge portion 260 a against the respectivepairs of opposing stops 244 a and 246 a. The reaction force applied tothe sets of opposing stops 244 a and 246 a by the clip arms 250 a and252 a causes the clips arms 250 a and 252 a and/or the opposing stops244 a and 246 a to deform thereby allowing the clip arms 250 a and 252 ato pass through reduced openings 248 between the open and closedpositions. When the clip head 228 a is pivoted beyond the sets ofopposing stops 244 a and 246 a, the clip arms 250 a and 252 a, theopposing stops 244 a and 246 a, or a combination of both snap back intotheir non-stressed state and the head 226 a is biased towards the labialsurface 219 a about the recesses 262 a to its closed position below therespective sets of opposing stops 244 a and 246 a. The sets of opposingstops 244 a and 246 a in this condition (e.g., non-stressed state)inhibit the locking clip 226 a from moving back towards the openposition. In this way, the archwire slot 220 a remains closed therebysecuring the archwire (not shown) in the archwire slot 220 a.Furthermore, the archwire slot may include a generally non-flatmesially-distally extending portion (e.g., a curved portion such as aconcave portion or a convex portion and/or an angled portion). Forexample, a labially positioned bracket may include an archwire slothaving a lingually directed base surface thereby forming a generallyconvexed portion of the archwire slot or a lingually positioned bracketmay include an archwire slot having a labially directed base surfacethereby forming a generally concaved portion of the archwire slot,though not required. More particularly, the archwire slot may include alingually directed portion that also extends along the mesially-distallydirection to define at least one non-flat portion of the archwire slot.Desirably, a curved and/or angled archwire 720 a with a curved and/orangled labial surface 721 a may provide for a more aesthetic lookingbracket having a low profile.

Referring now to FIGS. 30E-30L, additional embodiments of aself-ligating orthodontic bracket are shown and are generally indicatedto by reference numeral 710 (710 a, 710 b, 710 c, and 710 d). Theorthodontic brackets 710 a and 710 b being generally similar to theembodiment of FIGS. 28A-28B, while the orthodontic brackets 710 c and710 d being generally similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 28H-28I.However, these embodiments are not limiting and it is appreciated thatany of the brackets described herein or otherwise may include anarchwire slot having a generally non-flat mesially-distally extendingportion (e.g., a curved portion such as a concave portion or a convexportion and/or an angled portion). For example, a labially positionedbracket may include an archwire slot having a lingually directed basesurface thereby forming a generally convexed portion of the archwireslot or a lingually positioned bracket may include an archwire slothaving a labially directed base surface thereby forming a generallyconcaved portion of the archwire slot, though not required.

More particularly, the archwire slot may include a lingually directedportion that also extends along the mesially-distally direction todefine at least one non-flat portion of the archwire slot. Desirably, acurved and/or angled archwire 720 with a curved and/or angled labialsurface 721 may provide for a more aesthetic looking bracket having alow profile with vertical slot 725 (FIGS. 30E-30F and 30I-30J or a verylow profile without the vertical slot 725 (FIGS. 30G-30H and 30K-30L).It is appreciated that the archwire slot may extend mesially-distally ina generally parallel manner relative to the lingual surface of the base,the labial surface of the base, the labial surface of the tooth, orotherwise, though not required.

A portion of the archwire slot may be lingually directed towards thebase 714 relative to at least one labially directed portion of thearchwire slot. More particularly, the at least one labially directedportion may include an apex portion 796 that is labially offset ordisplaced relative to at least one other mesially-distally locatedportion of the archwire slot (e.g., mesial and distal ends 794 of thearch wire slot 720). It is appreciated that the archwire slot mayinclude a constant curve radius or taper along its mesial-distal length;however, a variable curve radius or variable taper is also contemplated.Desirably, the apex portion 796 may be provided in a central portion ofthe arch wire slot (e.g., interwing region 724). Preferably, the apexportion 796 is provided midway of the archwire slot, such that the archwire slot is symmetrical as shown in the cross-sections of FIGS. 30F,30H, 30J, and 30L. However, it is appreciated that the apex portion 796may be provided at various locations along the archwire slot from themesial end to the distal end or may be provided at one of the mesial anddistal ends 794. Furthermore, it is also appreciated that the archwireslot may include a generally flat portion in the interwing region whilehaving lingually directed end portions that may be angled and/or curvedrelative to the central (e.g., midway) flat portion.

As mentioned above, the base surface of the archwire slot may alsoinclude a concaved portion. When included, a portion of the archwireslot base surface may be labially directed away from the base of thebracket relative to another portion of the archwire slot base surface.This may be accomplished along a curvature or in an angled manner.Furthermore, as discussed above, any curved and/or angled portion of thearchwire slot base surface may be positioned along one or more portionsalong the base of the archwire slot (e.g., at an edge portion, at theopposing edge portion, at a central portion, or in between or elsewherealong the base surface of the arch wire slot.

FIGS. 31A-31D are various views of an alternate embodiment of theself-ligating dental bracket shown in FIGS. 9A-9G in which the lingualfree end 1028 s pivotally engages a lingual opening 1064 s formed in thelingual portion of the open stop groove 1042 s. In this specificembodiment, the locking clip 1026 s may include a generally J-shapedconfiguration and include deformable fingers 1062 s having flangeportions 1066. Once received in the lingual cavity, the deformablefingers may remain in a partially stressed state due to activeengagement of the outer edges 1070 s of the flange portions with therespective interior mesial and distal side walls 1136 s of the occlusaltie wings 1018 s to aid in suppressing movement (e.g., twisting,mesial-distal movement, and/or otherwise) of the locking clip 1026 swhile in the closed position. Additionally, this active engagementfurther allows for rotation of the locking and/or securement of thelocking clip to the bracket body.

It is appreciated that the locking clips described herein may be formedof a superelastic member such as a nickel-titanium alloy, even if thelocking member has been deformed relatively greatly, there is no largevariation of the load, and the arch wire can be pressed down moderatelyunder the superelasticity. Additionally, favorable operating efficiencyin the treatment operation can be maintained. For example, wires rangingfrom a narrow round wire to a full-sized square wire can be pressed intothe slot with a virtually equivalent load, and three-dimensional controlbecomes possible starting from an early period of treatment with anoptimum force in the living body. In addition to the restoring force ofthe wire, the correcting force is also produced by the force with whichthe locking member presses down the arch wire, and treatment of higherdimensionality becomes possible.

In one specific example, the locking clip may be formed of an alloycomprising 35-55 (e.g., 40-50) wt % Co, 10-30 (e.g., 15-25) wt % Ni,10-30 (e.g., 15-25) wt % Cr, 0.5-15 (e.g., 1-10) wt % Fe, 0.01-15 (e.g.,0.1-10) wt % W, 0.01-15 (e.g., 0.1-10) wt % Mo, and/or 0.01-10 (e.g.,0.1-5) wt % Ti.

It is appreciated that the present invention may include one or more ofthe following features: the base may include an 80 gauge micro-mesh padfor optimal bonding/de-bonding; the body may be in the form of arhomboid, square, or oval-shaped body design; the locking clip may bemetal, plastic or a composite; the locking clip may be in the form of awire configuration; the locking clip may be formed by utilizingwire-bending or similar manufacturing processes; the locking clip mayexhibit optimum balance between force applied to secure the arch wire inthe slot to motivate tooth movement and maintaining flexibility of thewire properties in the locking clip to apply rotational control of thearch wire; the edges of the locking clip may maintain enough elasticityto be assembled or disassembled by the user by either an inner or outerhinge design; the locking clip may be inserted or removed by simplysqueezing the lower bars (e.g., with tweezers) to allow compression andexpansion of the locking clip; the locking clip may open and/or close byrotation on the hinged-axis; the locking clip may be locked intoposition by any of the following methods 1) push-lock design that locksthe locking clip into place by utilizing the elasticity of locking cliparound side bevels in the body of bracket, 2) push-lock design thatlocks the locking clip into place by utilizing the elasticity of lockingclip around a top bevel in the body of bracket that exhibits a downwardforce on the locking clip, 3) push-lock design that locks the lockingclip into place by utilizing the cavity in the body of the bracket thatholds the locking clip into place, 4) snap-fit design with a centrallylocated locking mechanism that compresses when pushed into the slot ofthe body before expanding into locked position in the open cavity of thebody and 5) snap-fit design with two laterally located lockingmechanisms that compresses when pushed into the bevels before expandinginto locked position when the mechanism clears the bevel; optimumrotational control of the arch wire as the locking clip can be extendedas far mesially or distally as necessary without affecting the mechanismof the locking clip/body assembly; the locking clip spans over theentire width (e.g., of the archwire slot) of the bracket base whileengaging the wire, thus providing maximum torque possible; low frictionin system as there will be two points of contact between the lockingclip and arch wire (gingival and occlusal corners at mesial and distalends of the archwire) as opposed to continuous line of contact alongonly gingival portions or occlusal portions of the archwire; thearchwire slot may be designed with at least one bump (e.g., a pluralityof bumps) and/or at least one groove (e.g., a plurality of grooves) inthe bottom and/or side walls to minimize the contact area between thearchwire and archwire slot, (to optionally express the built-in torqueat any wire size); the locking clip may be designed with at least onebump (e.g., a plurality of bumps) and/or at least one groove (e.g., aplurality of grooves) to reduce the contact area between the archwireand archwire slot, (to optionally express the built-in torque at anywire size); the locking clip may be interchangeable with any type ofbody regardless of material (metal, ceramic, plastic, etc.) to keep thein-out dimensions of the system consistent; the open/close mechanism inthis application may be a freely rotating hinge; upon removal of thelocking clip, the self-ligating bracket may be utilized as aconventional (twin) bracket; the tie wings may be used for ligation; thetie wings may be flared out to provide maximum torque; directtranslation of forces occur from the locking clip to the archwire, to aforce point on the bracket and to a Facial Axis (FA) point on tooth; thelocking clip may engage the archwire at both the gingival and occlusalcorners and translate directly to the FA point on the tooth to optimizetreatment time of the patient; the locking clip may be over-molded orinsert-molded with plastic for aesthetic purposes; the material used forforming the locking clip and/or bracket may be plastic, which may be ofany color as indicated by the patient; low friction characteristics ofsystem may still be maintained since there may be no or substantially nocontact between the molded plastic and arch wire; the base and the bodymay be coated with aesthetic material, antibiofilm material or both (forexample, silver nanoparticles, PEG); the body of bracket may beinterchangeable with either a rhomboid, square, or oval shaped body; thebase may be contoured to marginal ridge for increased accuracy inplacement and aesthetics (applicable to molar and bicuspids); the bodymay be over-molded with a soft plastic material (desirably in centraland lateral brackets) to reduce chipping of upper incisal edge; a capand/or cover portion formed of a soft plastic material may be attachedto the bracket to reduce/eliminate chipping of upper incisal edge, thecap and/or cover portion may be removed after first phase of treatment;and any combination thereof.

It will be further appreciated that functions or structures of aplurality of components or steps may be combined into a single componentor step, or the functions or structures of one-step or component may besplit among plural steps or components. The present inventioncontemplates all of these combinations. Dimensions and geometries of thevarious structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive ofthe invention, and other dimensions or geometries are possible.References to directions are intended to clarify the description and donot in any way limit the scope of the invention. In other embodiments,the reference directions may be other than are shown, disclosed, orarranged differently. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseologyand terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and shouldnot be regarded as limiting. In addition, while a feature of the presentinvention may have been described in the context of only one of theillustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or moreother features of other embodiments, for any given application. It willalso be appreciated from the above that the fabrication of the uniquestructures herein and the operation thereof also constitute methods inaccordance with the present invention. The present invention alsoencompasses intermediate and end products resulting from the practice ofthe methods herein. The use of “comprising” or “including” alsocontemplates embodiments that “consist essentially of” or “consist of”the recited feature.

The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended toacquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles,and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt andapply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to therequirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodimentsof the present invention as set forth are not intended as beingexhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the inventionshould, therefore, be determined not with reference to the abovedescription, but should instead be determined with reference to theappended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references,including patent applications and publications, are incorporated byreference for all purposes.

1. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising: a body having a pairof laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair of laterally spacedocclusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wings projecting froma labial surface of the body; an arch wire slot extendingmesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusaltie wings to accommodate an arch wire a free-sliding,controlled-locking, or pivoting clip wherein the clip allows placementand removal of the arch wire when in the open position and prevents thedisplacement of the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closedposition.
 2. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, wherein afirst pair of grooves extends in opposite directions from another at adistance from the lingual surface of the body to define a lockingrecess, the locking recess having a width greater than the reducedopening; wherein a second pair of grooves extends in opposite directionsfrom another at a distance from the lingual surface of the body todefine a locking recess that is occlusal with respect to the first pairof grooves, the locking recess having a width greater than the reducedopening; wherein the lingual portion of locking clip in a stressed-stateis deformed to allow passage of the engagement portion occlusally fromthe first set of grooves through the reduced opening and into thelocking recess of the second pair of grooves to the open position;wherein the lingual portion of the locking clip while in the lockingrecess returns towards a non-stressed state such that the engagementportion is prevented from passing through the reduced opening therebymaintain the locking clip in the open position; wherein the lingualportion of locking clip in a stressed-state is deformed to allow passageof the engagement portion gingivally from the second set of groovesthrough the reduced opening and into the locking recess of the firstpair of grooves to the closed position, and wherein the lingual portionof the locking clip while in the locking recess returns towards anon-stressed state such that the engagement portion is prevented frompassing through the reduced opening thereby maintain the locking clip inthe closed position.
 3. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1,wherein a first pair of grooves extends in opposite directions fromanother at a distance from the lingual surface of the body to define alocking recess, the locking recess having a width greater than thereduced opening; wherein a tapered opening extends occlusally from thefirst pair of grooves from the lingual surface of the body to guide themovement of the lingual portion of the locking clip; wherein the lingualportion of the locking clip in a stressed-state is deformed to allowpassage of the engagement portion gingivally through the reducedopening; wherein the lingual portion of the locking clip graduallyreturns towards a non-stressed state such that the lingual free end ofthe clip pivots slightly labially as it approaches the occlusal wall ofthe body, thereby maintaining the locking clip in the open position;wherein the lingual portion of locking clip in a stressed-state isdeformed to allow passage of the engagement portion gingivally from theopen position through the reduced opening and into the locking recess ofthe first pair of grooves to the closed position, and wherein thelingual portion of the locking clip while in the locking recess returnstowards a non-stressed state such that the engagement portion isprevented from passing through the reduced opening thereby maintain thelocking clip in the closed position.
 4. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 1, wherein the lingual free end of the clip pivotswith respect to the axis generated by the bottom face of the arch wireslot when the facial portion of the clip rotates gingivally orocclusally.
 5. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, wherein thefacial surface of the clip contains a hole to allow standard dentalinstruments to mate for opening the clip in the occlusal direction;wherein the facial surface of the clip contains ribs protruding from thefacial surface of the clip to allow both visual placement of the bracketby aligning with the long axis of the tooth and enhanced clipdurability; and wherein in the body contains an entry slot to guidestandard dental instruments on a plane parallel to the groove on theclip.
 6. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, wherein themesial and distal portions of the labial free end of the clip prongsextend beyond the body and arch-wire slot; wherein a ledge has beenadded as a separate artifact as mesial and distal extensions from thebody to provide a positive seat for the labial free end of the clip inthe closed position; wherein the extended mesial-distal ledges from thebody have a cover that protects the mesial and distal edges of thelabial free end of the clip in the closed position; wherein the extendedmesial-distal ledges from the body have enclosed pockets that protectsthe mesial, distal, and gingival edges of the labial free end of theclip in the closed position; wherein the extended mesial-distal ledgesfrom the body have open pockets in the form of a “C-cup” that protectsthe gingival edges of the labial free end of the clip in the closedposition.
 7. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 1, wherein acontinuous channel extends in the gingival-occlusal direction throughthe lingual portion of the body to facilitate the cleaning of entrappedcalculus/tartar. wherein the depth of the continuous channel thattravels mesial-distally in the clip resting closed position has beenreduced such that the smallest possible arch wire does not get entrappedduring treatment.
 8. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising: abody having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair oflaterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wingsprojecting from a labial surface of the body; an arch wire slotextending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival andocclusal tie wings to accommodate an arch wire; a free-sliding,controlled-locking, clip wherein the clip allows placement and removalof the arch wire when in the open position and prevents the displacementof the arch wire from the bracket member when in the closed position. 9.An Orthodontic bracket according to claim 8, wherein a first pair ofslots extending mesially-distally across the body and inside of thegingival tie wings; wherein a second pair of slots extendingmesially-distally across the body, inside of the gingival tie wings,lingually parallel to the first pair of slot; wherein the locking clipis in the furthest occlusal position and in a stressed-state, the archwire slot is not covered by the labial portion of locking clip. Thisposition is called the open position. wherein the locking clip movesgingivally from the open position and the labial portion of locking clipsits in the first pair of slots, there is no contact between the labialportion of locking clip and the labial side of arch wire. This positionis called the closed Passive stage. wherein the labial portion oflocking clip was moved from the first pair of slots to the second pairof slots so that there is interference contact between the labialportion of locking clip and the labial side of arch wire therebylocating the clip in a closed active stage position.
 10. An Orthodonticbracket according to claim 8, wherein a few of slots extendingmesially-distally across the gingival tie-wings. The slots can beextended across the gingival tie-wings partially or completely; whereina few of locking slots protruding mesially between the gingivaltie-wings or distally from the gingival tie-wings; wherein a freerotating, and flexible clip has two gingival potions that will be lockedinto different locking slots on the body, which create different closedstages (Passive, and Active); wherein the inside clearance of lockingslot can designed in such way that the gingival portion of clip hasclearance in all closed positions to create the interactivity betweenthe clip and the arch wire; wherein the flexible clip has two occlusalpotions that insert mesially-distally between the occlusal tie-wings,the occlusal portions (hinge, a better word) can be round shape ornon-round shape such as rectangular; wherein the middle potion of clipcan be designed such way that there is a clearance between the clip andthe arch wire to create the interactivity between them. wherein betweenthe occlusal tie-wings of the body, two slots where the two occlusionportions (hinges) of flexible clip were inserted; the hinges can beround shape or non-round shape such as rectangular. These two slots haveextended length gingival-occlusal so that the clip can be strictlyrotating or the combination between rotating and sliding.
 11. AnOrthodontic bracket according to claim 8, wherein a pair of slotsextending mesially-distally across the body and inside of the gingivaltie wings; wherein a locking clip has two labial ends—the gingivallabial end and the occlusal labial end, the profile of clip looks like a“C” from mesially-distally; wherein a locking clip has differentdistances between two labial ends to the gingival portion of the lockingclip; wherein a locking clip moves the furthest gingival position, theocclusal labial end covers the labial opening of arch wire slot. Thereis no contact between the occlusal labial end of locking clip and thelabial side of arch wire. The occlusal labial portion of locking clip isin a stress-free state and this position of bracket is called thePassive stage. wherein a locking clip moves the furthest occlusalposition, the gingival labial end covers the labial opening of arch wireslot. There is interference contact between the gingival labial end oflocking clip and the labial side of arch wire. The gingival labialportion of locking clip is in a stressed-state and this position ofbracket is called the Active stage. wherein a locking clip moves to amiddle position between the furthest gingival position and the furthestocclusal position, neither of labial ends of locking clip covers thelabial opening of arch wire slot. This position of bracket is called theopen position.
 12. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising: abody having a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair oflaterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wingsprojecting from a labial surface of the body; an arch wire slotextending mesially-distally across the body and between the gingival andocclusal tie wings to accommodate an archwire; a locking mechanism onthe mesial and distal ends of the bracket body designed as a gear rack;and a locking clip with a mating gear rack of the locking mechanism tokeep the clip closed.
 13. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket accordingto claim 12, in which two independently operated clips on the mesial anddistal edges of the bracket body can allow different expressions on thearch wire on each edge, in any combination.
 14. A self-ligatingorthodontic bracket clip according to claim 12, wherein each clip isadjustable to provide a passive arch wire engagement, an active archwire engagement, or interactive arch wire engagement.
 15. Aself-ligating orthodontic bracket clip according to claim 12, wherein apost is attached to the clip, which can be angled anywhere between 0degrees to 90 degrees.
 16. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket clipaccording to claim 12, wherein the body includes a gingivally-occlusallyextending vertical slot.
 17. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket clipaccording to claim 12, wherein a rounded stop on the opposite end of thegear rack allows a pivot motion to open the clip and prevents the clipfrom disengaging from the body.
 18. An Orthodontic bracket according tocomprising a base adapted to engage the tooth surface; a bracket bodyextending in a substantially perpendicular direction from said base,said bracket body having an arch wire slot which extends in amesiodistal direction; a locking clip for opening or closing said archwire slot; wherein said locking member having a notched portion beingprovided substantially in a center of said labial free end between twoopposing tab portions; wherein said bracket has a receiving area formedabout a mesially and a distally side of the bracket body, the receivingarea being defined by an receiving member of the gingival tie wings. 19.The orthodontic bracket according to claim 18, wherein the retainingmember is selected from the group consisting of: a. a labial hood; b. alingual ledge; c. an end wall extending between a labial hood and alingual ledge, and opposingly spaced from the body thereby enclosing atleast a portion of the receiving area; d. a c-shaped member; and e.combinations thereof.
 20. An Orthodontic bracket according to comprisinga base adapted to engage the tooth surface; a bracket body extending ina substantially perpendicular direction from said base, said bracketbody having an arch wire slot which extends in a mesiodistal direction;a locking clip for opening or closing said arch wire slot; and a lockingmechanism form in a lingual cavity of the body, the lingual cavity beingconfigured to receive deformable fingers of the locking clip through anopening, the deformable fingers having boss portions that define a widthin a non-stressed state being larger than a width of a lingual openingof the lingual cavity; wherein said locking clip having a notchedportion being provided substantially in a center of said labial free endbetween two opposing tab portions; wherein said bracket has a receivingarea formed within a mesial-distal retaining channel of the bracketbody.
 21. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 19, wherein thelocking clip includes first and second arms having a hook portion;wherein the retaining member includes a first pair of stops and a secondpair of stops, each stop of the first pair of stops having a firstopening, a first guide portion and a first flange portion, and each stopof the second pair of stops having a second opening, a second guideportion and a second flange portion; wherein the locking clip isdeformable such that as the hook portions are guided towards the firstopenings or the second openings, the locking clip deforms into astressed-state thereby enabling the hook portions to be received intothe first openings or the second openings; and wherein the hook portionsare guided along the first guide portions or the second guide portionsuntil the hook portions extend beyond the first pair of stops or thesecond pair of stops thereby allowing the locking clip to return towardsa non-stressed-state so that the hook portions engage the flangeportions of the first pair of stops or the second pair of stops tomaintain the locking clip in a first closed position or a second closedposition.
 22. A self-ligating orthodontic bracket comprising: a bodyhaving a pair of laterally spaced gingival tie wings and a pair oflaterally spaced occlusal tie wings, the gingival and occlusal tie wingsprojecting from a labial surface of the body; an archwire slot extendingmesially-distally across the body and between the gingival and occlusaltie wings to accommodate an archwire a locking mechanism having alocking clip and a retention member, the locking clip movable between anopen position and a closed position and having a engagement portion forengaging the retention member; wherein the locking clip allows placementand removal of the archwire when in the open position and prevents thedisplacement of the archwire from the bracket member when in the closedposition.
 23. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein theretaining member includes at least one pair of opposing spaced apartstops defining a reduced opening therebetween, the reduced openinghaving a width that is smaller than the engagement portion of thelocking clip.
 24. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, whereina first pair of stops extend towards one another from the respectivegingival tie wings and at a distance from the labial surface of the bodyto define a locking recess, the locking recess having a width greaterthan the reduced opening; wherein the width of the locking recess isdefined by a distance between the gingival tie wings; wherein thelocking clip in a stressed-state is deformed to allow passage of theengagement portion lingually through the reduced opening and into thelocking recess to the closed position, and wherein the locking clipwhile in the locking recess returns towards a non-stressed state suchthat the engagement portion is prevented from passing through thereduced opening thereby maintain the locking clip in the closedposition.
 25. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein theretaining member includes a first member and a second member that extendlabially from the labial surface of the body in an occlusally-gingivallyrelationship relative to one another about the gingival interwing area;wherein the pair of stops extend towards one another from the respectivefirst and second members and at a distance from the labial surface ofthe body to define a locking recess, the locking recess having a widthgreater than the reduced opening; wherein the width of the lockingrecess is defined by a distance between the first member and a secondmember; wherein the locking clip in a stressed-state is deformed toallow passage of the engagement portion lingually through the reducedopening and into the locking recess to the closed position; and whereinthe locking clip while in the locking recess returns towards anon-stressed state such that the engagement portion is prevented frompassing through the reduced opening thereby maintain the Locking clip inthe closed position.
 26. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the engagement portion of the locking clip includes a first armportion and a second arm portion; wherein a first pair of stops and asecond pair of stops are provided along a first bridge portion in theinterwing region between the gingival tie wings, each pair of stopsextending at a distance from a labial surface of the bridge portion todefine a locking recess, the locking recess having a width greater thanthe reduced opening; wherein the locking clip in a stressed-statedeforms the engagement portion such that passage of the first armportion lingually through the reduced opening of the first pair of stopsand into a first locking recess is allowed and passage of the second armportion lingually through the reduced opening of the second pair ofstops and into a second locking recess is allowed; and wherein the firstand second arm portions while in the respective first and second lockingrecesses return towards a non-stressed state such that the engagementportion is prevented from passing through the reduced openings therebymaintaining the locking clip in the closed position.
 27. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein the engagement portion of thelocking clip includes at least one biasing member having a hook portionand a guide portion.
 28. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the retaining member includes a first opening and a secondopening about a first bridge portion in the interwing region between thegingival tie wings, the first and second openings defining a throughtherebetween; wherein the guide portion upon contact with a wall of thefirst opening causes the biasing member to deflect thereby enabling theat least one biasing member through the first opening and into thethroughhole; and wherein the at least one biasing member is guided alongthe throughhole until the hook portion extends beyond a flange portionwithin the throughhole thereby allowing the at least one biasing memberto return towards a non-stressed-state so that the hook portion engagesthe flange portion to maintain the locking clip in the closed position.29. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein the lockingclip is a tubular or cylindrical member having a generally U-shapedconfiguration such that the at least one biasing member is linguallydirected from a head portion of the locking clip.
 30. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein wherein the at least one biasingmember includes a first biasing member and a second biasing member, eachhaving a hook portion and a guide portion; wherein the guide portionsupon contact with a wall of the gingival tie wings in the interwingregion, cause the first and second biasing members to deflect towardsone another thereby enabling the first and second biasing memberspassage into a reduced opening between the gingival tie wings; andwherein the first and second biasing members are guided along therespective wall of the gingival tie wings until the hook portions extendbeyond a respective flange portion of the gingival tie wings therebyallowing the first and second biasing members to return towards anon-stressed-state so that the hook portions engage the flange portionsto maintain the locking clip in the closed position.
 31. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the gingival tiewings includes a labial surface having groove for receiving a portion ofthe locking clip in the closed position.
 32. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein the gingival tie wings and the firstbridge portion extending therebetween include a labial surface havinggroove for receiving a portion of the locking clip in the closedposition.
 33. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein thegingival tie wings include a labial surface having a groove forreceiving the head portion of the locking clip in the closed position,the head portion being extended occlusally beyond the first bridgeportion of the body.
 34. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the retaining member includes a labial member having a flangeportion, the labial member extending between the gingival tie wings todefine a first opening between a first bridge portion and the labialmember and a second opening between the labial member and the labialsurface of the body, the first and second openings defining athroughhole therebetween; wherein the guide portion upon contact with awall of the labial member causes the head portion to deflect therebyenabling the hook portion into the first opening and into thethroughhole; and wherein the hook portion is guided into the throughholeuntil the hook portion extends beyond the flange portion of the labialmember thereby allowing the locking clip to return towards anon-stressed-state so that the hook portion engages the flange portionto maintain the locking clip in the closed position.
 35. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein the locking clip includes firstand second arms having a hook portion; wherein the retaining memberincludes a first pair of stops and a second pair of stops, each stop ofthe first pair of stops having a first opening, a first guide portionand a first flange portion, and each stop of the second pair of stopshaving a second opening, a second guide portion and a second flangeportion; wherein the locking clip is deformable such that as the hookportions are guided towards the first openings or the second openings,the locking clip deforms into a stressed-state thereby enabling the hookportions to be received into the first openings or the second openings;and wherein the hook portions are guided along the first guide portionsor the second guide portions until the hook portions extend beyond thefirst pair of stops or the second pair of stops thereby allowing thelocking clip to return towards a non-stressed-state so that the hookportions engage the flange portions of the first pair of stops or thesecond pair of stops to maintain the locking clip in a first closedposition or a second closed position.
 36. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein the first pair of stops is gingivallypositioned relative to the second pair of stops.
 37. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein each of the first and secondpairs of stops include a mesial stop and a distal stop, the mesial stopsbeing provided about the mesial-gingival tie wing and the distal stopsbeing provided about the distal-gingival tie wing.
 38. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein the mesial stops and the distalstops define a generally W-shaped configuration about the respectivegingival tie wing.
 39. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the first and second pairs of stops are provided along thegingival tie wings, the first pair of stops being gingivally locatedrelative to the second pair of stops.
 40. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein the first and second pairs of stops areprovided along the gingival tie wings, the first pair of stops beinggingivally located relative to the second pair of stops.
 41. Theorthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein the gingival tiewings include at least one labial surface, the first guiding portionsbeing provided on first labial surfaces of the gingival tie wings andthe second guiding portions being provided on second labial surfaces ofthe gingival tie wings, the first guiding portions being gingivallylocated relative to the second guiding portions.
 42. The orthodonticbracket according to claim 22, wherein the gingival tie wings include atleast one lingual surface, the first flange portions being provided onfirst lingual surfaces of the gingival tie wings and the second flangeportions being provided on second lingual surfaces of the gingival tiewings, the first flange portions being gingivally located relative tothe second flange portions.
 43. The orthodontic bracket according toclaim 22, wherein locking clip has a generally U-shaped or a cruciformprofile.
 44. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, whereinlocking clip in the closed position engages both gingival and occlusalcorners of the archwire.
 45. The orthodontic bracket according to claim22, wherein mesial and distal portions of the locking clip in the closedposition engage both gingival and occlusal portions of the archwire. 46.The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein locking clip ispivotally mounted to the body.
 47. The orthodontic bracket according toclaim 22, wherein the locking clip includes opposed free ends havingtail ends, each tail end being received in a respective bore formed inone of the occlusal tie wings to permit pivotal movement of the lockingclip between open and closed positions.
 48. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein each tail end includes a flange portionthat is configured to act as a stop for the tail ends when inserted inthe respective bores such that the flange portions prevent the tail endsfrom extending beyond a predetermined depth into and/or beyond thebores.
 49. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein thebody includes a gingivally-occlusally extending vertical slot.
 50. Theorthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein the body is oval orelliptically shaped.
 51. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the archwire slot includes a first portion mesially-distallypositioned from a second portion, the first portion being linguallyoffset relative to the second portion.
 52. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein the archwire slot defines a linguallydirected, mesially-distally extending curved portion or profile.
 53. Theorthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein the archwire slotdefines a lingually directed, mesially-distally extending angled portionor profile
 54. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, whereinthe archwire slot includes at least one bump or at least one groove inthe bottom and/or side walls to minimize the contact area between thearchwire and archwire slot, the locking clip includes at least one bumpor at least one groove to reduce the contact area between the archwireand archwire slot, or a combination of both.
 55. The orthodontic bracketaccording to claim 22, wherein the locking clip further includes a coverportion.
 56. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein thecover portion is removably affixed to the locking clip.
 57. Theorthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein cover portionincludes at least one attachment member for being removably secured tothe locking clip.
 58. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22,wherein the at least one attachment member includes a shape and sizethat is complementary to a portion of an opening in the locking clip forremovable securement thereto.
 59. The orthodontic bracket according toclaim 22, wherein the at least one attachment member includes aplurality of attachment members that have a shape and size that iscomplementary to portions of the locking clip for removable securementthereto.
 60. The orthodontic bracket according to claim 22, wherein theat least one attachment includes a biasing tubular portion with alongitudinally opening that is configured to deform sufficiently toreceive a cylindrical or semi-cylindrical portion of the locking clipfor removable securement thereto.
 61. The orthodontic bracket accordingto claim 22, wherein the cover portion extends mesially-distally thelength of the arch wire slot.
 62. The orthodontic bracket according toclaim 22, wherein the first closed position is an active closed positionand the second closed position is a passive closed position.